Despite being fired as the Jets’ head coach in 2014, Rex Ryan wants to return to his former job under owner Woody Johnson.
Johnson fired Robert Saleh at the beginning of October after a 2-3 start to the season despite managing seven wins in 2023 after Aaron Rodgers played just four snaps before tearing his Achilles.
Ryan made his pitch on an ESPN New York radio show with ex-Jets linebacker Bart Scott, per ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio. Ryan was originally asked about Lions head coach Dan Campbell before pivoting into a passionate pitch to return to his old job in New York.
“I had a vision for the team and we weren’t gonna take any s—,” Ryan said. “And that’s exactly how Dan Campbell is. And that’s what I think, the other thing is, too, get a guy that connects with the fan base and all that. That’s why I want to be the next coach of the Jets.”
From there, Ryan took off, promising that he would get the most out of the Jets’ roster and backing Johnson despite recent reports of the owner’s meddling in the team’s personnel decisions.
“Blow it up? We’re gonna blow the opponents up,” said Ryan. “There’s way too much talent on this team to play the way we’ve been playing. Period.”
Ryan isn’t wrong about the untapped potential in New York. Recently-fired general manager Joe Douglas may have only led the Jets to a 30-64 record during his tenure, but he did hit on a number of high draft picks. 2019 No. 3 overall pick Quinnen Williams is one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL, and 2023 draftee Will McDonald and Joe Tippmann have both emerged as solid starters. Most impressive is the 2022 class, with the Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year (Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner), a Pro Bowl edge rusher (Jermaine Johnson), a star running back (Breece Hall) and a Day 3 interior disruptor (Michael Clemons).
Ryan also claimed that he can get a disillusioned Jets team back on track, saying “nobody’s seen a team gonna play the way — as hard as this team’s going to play in the future, trust me. If I’m the guy. Trust me.”
Ryan also cited his continued loyalty to the Jets since his 2014 firing, saying that other coaches would not be as dedicated to the franchise.
“They ain’t New York Jets. I’m all about the Jets,” he said. “Here’s the great thing. Yeah, you get a second chance at it and that doesn’t happen very often. Well, when it does it’s usually special.”
Ryan then cleverly praised the Jets’ direction under Johnson’s ownership, appealing to his former boss’ penchant for relying on yes-men in key positions within the organization.
“Woody Johnson was awesome,” said Ryan. “I can just tell you firsthand from my perspective, he was fantastic. You know what he’s guilty of? He’s guilty of giving you what you want. And that’s exactly what happened with this group. He gave them exactly what they wanted.”
Ryan even defended Johnson’s role in the Jets’ ill-fated acquisition of Rodgers: “You told him to go get Aaron Rodgers. And so that’s what he did. And it never worked out. But at least he fired his gun. Why? Because he wants a championship.”
Ryan added that he has not reached out to Johnson about returning to the Jets since the franchise will not start the search for Saleh’s long-term successor until after the end of the regular season.
The Jets went 46-50 in Ryan’s six-year tenure, which included back-to-back AFC Championship appearances in 2009 and 2010. New York hasn’t played in the postseason since then, a fact that Ryan will likely use in his pursuit of his old gig.
His rules against wearing socks or shoes in the locker room creeps players out.
He’d love Mack Hollins. Guy goes everywhere barefoot
As a fan of another AFC East team, I fully support the Jets rehiring Rex.
Dude is just making a fool of himself by using ESPN to lobby for jobs.
His colleagues are not going to stand up to him and tell him the truth about his HC days.
Rex Ryan is the ultimate self promoter. His ego is much bigger than his results
Aaron can self promote just asa good, but he has a ring (15 years ago though).
Less than capable egotists are trending.
Learned from his dad Buddy the Brain who was a horrible head coach. He had those Philly teams absolutely loaded and never even won one playoff game.
Thanks Rex. As a Jets fan, I needed the laugh.
Please let this happen!…it would be so fun to watch
“nobody’s seen a team gonna play the way — as hard as this team’s going to play in the future, trust me. If I’m the guy. Trust me.”
Well, I certainly trust that Rex will find new exciting ways to perfect the “butt fumble” 🙂
Rex wants to coach again, Brett Favre wants to play again.
But seriously, when is Marvin Lewis going to be considered again? At least with him you were almost guaranteed to be at least mediocre. And the Jets need to be at least mediocre. He gets them to mediocre and a few draft picks later they’re winning their division. It could happen.
I’d take Rex back at least the jets had an identity in those days. Went into Foxboro and beat the pats with Mark Sanchez .. lol
Uh, no. Just no. He was a dinosaur 10 years ago.
Career losing record as an NFL head coach — didn’t last a second full season in Buffalo.
I don’t know how Rex is even on TV. He’s just another ESPN blowhard that shoots his mouth off. This is why I never watch their pre/post game coverage. That and if you look directly at Rex’s teeth you’ll go blind from all the bleach. As funny as it would be to watch the Jets sink with Rex I have to pass to not have to listen to him every week because NY teams get heavy coverage
I had to double check that I was reading PFR and not The Onion
If I was a Jets fan, I might want to take a shot on an offensive minded guy.
Maybe try and implement a Kyle Shanahan type offense.
Its a risk for sure, but I think you gotta they something new.