Rex Ryan’s Bold Pitch: Confident He’s the Best Fit for New York Jets Head Coach
Rex Ryan, the former head coach of the New York Jets, is not just throwing his hat into the ring for the team’s open head coach position—he’s practically declaring victory before the interview process even starts! Ryan is set to interview for the position on Tuesday and made it crystal clear during a Monday morning appearance on ESPN New York’s radio show DiPietro & Rothenberg that he’s confident he’s the man for the job.
“Oh, 100%. Absolutely, I do,” Ryan said when asked if he truly believes he’ll be the Jets’ next head coach. “And the reason I think I’m going to get it is because I’m the best guy for it. It ain’t close.”
Why Rex Thinks He’s the Perfect Fit
Ryan, 62, pointed to his unique ability to connect with players and fans alike as his biggest strength. He’s not just about the Xs and Os; he believes the culture and passion he brings are unmatched. “The way they play, that’s the most important thing. You have to connect with your football team, and you have to connect with your fan base,” he explained.
Ryan even had high praise for Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, but he didn’t hold back on where he stands. “I love him. I absolutely love him,” Ryan said. “But I’m a better candidate for this job than he would be.”
It’s a bold claim, but Ryan has never been shy about speaking his mind.
A Look Back: Ryan’s NFL Coaching Journey
Before we dive into Ryan’s plans for the Jets, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane and look at his coaching record.
Rex Ryan’s Coaching Tenure with the Jets (2009–2014)
- 2009: 9-7, made playoffs, lost in the AFC Championship.
- 2010: 11-5, made playoffs, lost in the AFC Championship.
- 2011: 8-8, missed playoffs.
- 2012: 6-10, missed playoffs.
- 2013: 8-8, missed playoffs.
- 2014: 4-12, missed playoffs.
Overall with the Jets: 46-50 regular season, 4-2 in the playoffs.
Coaching the Buffalo Bills (2015–2016)
- 2015: 8-8, missed playoffs.
- 2016: 7-8 (fired before Week 17), missed playoffs.
Overall with the Bills: 15-16 regular season.
While his overall NFL record stands at 61-66 in the regular season and 4-2 in the playoffs, Ryan is most remembered for taking the Jets to back-to-back AFC Championship games during his first two years.
Plans for Aaron Rodgers: No More “Country Club” Treatment
Rex Ryan didn’t just discuss his potential return to the Jets; he also outlined his vision for how he’d handle veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Spoiler alert: things would look very 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,” Ryan said.
This direct approach stems from Rodgers’ controversial decision last year to skip the Jets’ mandatory minicamp for a vacation in Egypt. While Rodgers cited a “scheduling mishap,” the Jets fined him $100,000, and former head coach Robert Saleh called it an “unexcused absence.” Ryan was clearly unimpressed.
“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 said bluntly.
And with Rodgers’ NFL future in limbo—he has hinted that 2024 may have been his last season—Ryan is doubling down on the importance of accountability. “If he comes back, things would be different,” he insisted.
Why Ryan Could Be What the Jets Need
Despite being out of coaching since 2016, Ryan’s passion for the game hasn’t waned. He’s a coach who thrives on building a team culture that resonates both in the locker room and with the fanbase. Here’s why Ryan believes he’s the ideal candidate:
- Proven Playoff Success: Few coaches can boast back-to-back AFC Championship game appearances, especially with a team like the Jets.
- Player Connections: Ryan’s ability to connect with players on a personal level sets him apart. He knows how to motivate and get the best out of his roster.
- Fan Engagement: Let’s face it—Jets fans love a coach with swagger, and Ryan brings plenty of it. He’s never afraid to speak his mind or show his passion.
- Tough Love Approach: His no-nonsense plan for Aaron Rodgers shows he’s ready to hold even the biggest stars accountable.
Is the NFL Ready for Rex 2.0?
Ryan’s track record, combined with his confidence and clear vision, makes him a compelling choice for the Jets. While some may question whether his coaching style is suited for today’s NFL, Ryan’s belief in himself hasn’t wavered. He’s ready to bring discipline, passion, and a winning mentality back to the Jets organization.
As Ryan himself put it, “I’m the best guy for it. It ain’t close.”
The big question now is whether the Jets’ front office feels the same way. If they do, buckle up—Rex Ryan could be back on the sidelines, ready to bring his fiery brand of coaching to New York once again.
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