Former NFL head coach Rex Ryan, who recently interviewed for the New York Jets head coaching job, said he looks forward to facing New England Patriots HC Mike Vrabel twice a year. However, the Jets must hire him first.
Rex Ryan Reacts to Mike Vrabel’s Hiring in New England
It did not take long for the television personalities to start talking about the hiring of Vrabel in New England. That means it did not take long for Ryan of ESPN to fire the first missile.
Always a politician, the former Jets coach campaigned for his old job on Sunday morning’s pregame show with Mike Greenberg on ESPN.
“Hopefully, I can kick this guy’s a** twice a year,” Ryan said rather tongue in cheek. He then added, “My team, not me personally.”
Ryan was talking directly to the Jets brass as he was trying to solidify his foothold in the organization he once ran from 2009-2014.
Ryan interviewed with the Jets last week for their vacant head coaching position, which opened up when Robert Saleh was fired midseason. Jeff Ulbrich was named interim head coach and did not fare much better.
Ryan said the following after his interview with New York. “We’re not gonna take any poop… we’re gonna kick your a**, and we don’t care if you like it or not.”
He outlined a vision of accountability and enthusiasm. The Super Bowl 35 champion with the Baltimore Ravens added intrigue to the situation as he quickly dismissed competition from other candidates, including Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
It’s no secret the Patriots and the Jets have a tremendously long-standing rivalry based upon their both being in the AFC East. While the two teams are a mere glimmer of what they once were, it would be fun to see Ryan in New York, preparing for Vrabel.
The quotes, at least, would be good.
Rex Ryan still campaigning for the Jets job:
When asked about Patriots hiring Mike Vrabel:
“Hopefully I can kick this guy’s ass twice a year.” https://t.co/6uXJzGXKGv pic.twitter.com/xkUPNCXrlZ
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) January 12, 2025
With Vrabel in New England, Ryan would certainly be an interesting showman in New York. The banter and dialogue would be well worth the price of admission.
Vrabel won three Super Bowls with New England as a player under former head coach Bill Belichick. He also coached the Tennessee Titans and took them to the playoffs three times in six years.
Vrabel came within one game of taking the Titans to a Super Bowl. He went to the AFC Championship Game with Ryan Tannehill at quarterback. That shows he knows how to do more with less.
The skill will serve him well in New England where the cupboard is bare aside for a few players, including quarterback Drake Maye.