Rex Ryan Eyes a Return to Familiar Territory with the New York Jets
In the ever-revolving door of NFL head coaching, the New York Jets find themselves searching for a new leader at the helm, and one familiar face has emerged as a potential candidate: Rex Ryan. Having last walked the sidelines as a head coach in 2016 with the Buffalo Bills, Ryan is making a bid to return to where it all began for him as a head coach, after a five-year tenure with the Jets from 2009 to 2014.
A Second Coming?
Rex Ryan recently completed an interview for the Jets' open head coach position, bringing with him the confidence and bravado that fans and analysts alike have come to expect. "Oh, 100 percent, absolutely, I do," Ryan expressed, speaking on his belief in his candidacy. "The reason I think I'm going to get it is because I'm the best guy for it. It ain't close."
His time away from head coaching doesn't appear to have dented his self-assuredness. Since 2016, Ryan has been a notable media personality, offering his insights and critiques on the game, a role in which he hasn't shied away from expressing his opinions frankly.
No Country Club Atmosphere
One topic that's clearly been on Ryan's mind is the discipline and commitment of key players, notably Aaron Rodgers. Last June, the New York Jets fined Rodgers $100,000 for missing a mandatory minicamp, a decision that Ryan clearly supports. "Clearly, when you have a guy that doesn't show up for mandatory minicamp—and, by the way, he's your quarterback, coming off an injury—I think that's an absolutely ridiculous message you send to the team," Ryan stated.
Should he return, Ryan promises a shift in culture from anything resembling a lax approach. "If he comes back, things would be different. If he's back, it ain't gonna be the country club, show up whenever the hell you want to show up. That ain't gonna happen."
Building on Past Success
During his initial tenure with the Jets, Ryan led the team to consecutive AFC Championship game appearances in his first two seasons, earning a reputation as one of the more colorful and defensive-minded coaches in the league. With a knack for building aggressive defenses and strong run games, Ryan's time with the Jets was, in many respects, the high point in a coaching career that has seen its share of both triumph and turbulence.
Ryan’s candidacy is not without competition, however. As a candidate who has expressed admiration for others involved in the process—though not without asserting his own superiority—Ryan remarked, "It's not just the X's and O's and all that. This Ben Johnson, I love him, I absolutely love him, but I'm a better candidate for this job than he would be."
The Road Ahead
The decision facing the New York Jets is a critical one. With their eyes set on a return to competitive form, the choice of head coach could very well shape their trajectory for years to come. Ryan's ability to lead a team, revitalize a defense, and instill discipline is undeniable, but whether the organization is ready to turn back the clock is yet to be seen.
As the Jets move forward in their search, they must weigh the benefits of Ryan's extensive experience and indomitable personality against the need for a fresh approach. For Ryan, the goal is clear: a triumphant return to the sidelines where he once flourished, fueled by an unwavering belief in his fit for the role.
With bold assertions and the promise of substantive change, only time will tell if Rex Ryan's ambitions align with the Jets' vision for the future. For now, one thing remains certain: the world of NFL head coaching is never short of drama, intrigue, or confidence, all embodied in the candidacy of Rex Ryan.