The New York Jets could return to their former head coach, Rex Ryan, for a 2025 rebuild. The plan of recruiting Aaron Rodgers to end their playoff drought — which has now extended to 14 seasons — has failed.
Midway through this season, the Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh and then general manager Joe Douglas. It’s safe to say that the fans are not pleased with the direction in which the franchise is heading.
NFL Fans Tear Into Jets’ Potential Choice of Rehiring Rex Ryan
It’s been 11 years since Ryan left the Jets’ top job; Four head coaches later, he’s again eyeing to be the team’s next head coach. The 62-year-old revealed as much during his appearance on ESPN New York radio to host Jake Asman.
Asman took to X and informed fans of Ryan’s plans.
“Rex Ryan tells me on @DRonESPN on ESPN New York that he expects to speak with the Jets for their head coaching opening after the regular season ends,” he tweeted.
Rex Ryan tells me on @DRonESPN on @880ESPNNewYork that he expects to speak with the #Jets for their head coaching opening after the regular season ends.
— Jake Asman (@JakeAsman) December 30, 2024
This information sent fans over the edge, and they didn’t hesitate to show their disapproval.
“I love and respect Rex, but I don’t think he’s the answer for the Jets problems,” responded one fan.
“Does the dude that wears the fire helmet approve? Completely unserious franchise,” one fan tweeted.
Does the dude that wears the fire helmet approve? Completely unserious franchise. #ahgoosh https://t.co/XTQb5fjamP
— Geoff Sheen (@mrgeoffsilvius) December 30, 2024
“For real everyone involved in this franchise are clowns. From the owners right down to their pathetic fans,” one user added.
“Jets fans don’t want this no matter how much he wants to try to convince us,” replied another fan.
Jets fans don't want this no matter how much he wants to try to convince us
— Anthony Russo (@Anthony_Russo97) December 30, 2024
“The cycle of incompetence never ends Rex’s only positive is that he undeniably loves the Jets,” added another fan.
“If the Jets are even somewhat serious about winning, they don’t entertain Rex Ryan whatsoever,” another fan tweeted.
If the Jets are even somewhat serious about winning, they don’t entertain Rex Ryan whatsoever https://t.co/7X5XkJRN6t
— Zach (@JetsPrime) December 30, 2024
Ryan Has Shared His Disapproval of Jets’ Disastrous Season
After leaving the Jets in 2014, Ryan became the head coach for the Buffalo Bills for two seasons. Since then, he’s worked as an analyst for several broadcasts and is currently with ESPN. Last month, he dug into all the coaching issues in the franchise.
“The coaching is an absolute disaster. I’m not sugarcoating it — it’s been bad, it stinks, and there’s no way around it,” Ryan said on ESPN. “This guy, your defensive coordinator and head coach — good luck with that for a guy that’s never done it.”
Ryan holds an overall record of 46-50 (.479 win rate) during his tenure with the Jets. If he does indeed return to New York, one of the biggest challenges he will face will be to deal with some of the massive contracts of the Jets’ superstars.