Here’s a twist you didn’t see coming: an unusual revival plan for the New York Jets — and it’s got none other than Rex Ryan at the helm. Legendary radio host Mike Francesa has dropped a bombshell, proposing a return of the bold, brash coach who once shook up the Jets.
With the team struggling to find its groove, this plan suggests that Ryan could bring back the swagger and grit that made the Jets a force to be reckoned with.
Mike Francesa’s Plan To Fix Jets: Rex Ryan To Get the ‘Unusual Authority’ Treatment
Francesa’s got a curveball idea for the Jets’ rebuild, and it involves Ryan — but not as head coach. Francesa’s thinking is bigger (and way more unconventional).
On “The Mike Francesa Podcast,” the legendary WFAN host pitched a wild plan to fix the Jets. He wants Ryan to get some “unusual authority,” more than your average defensive coordinator, but not the full head coach gig. Think Buddy Ryan’s role with the Chicago Bears in the ’80s, where he ran the defense with total control and could talk smack all day long.
Francesa revealed, “I would hire Rex and give him unusual authority where he’s not the head coach, but he’s got more than typical defensive coordinator status. I would like to see Rex recreate that job with the Jets. I’ll give you money, I’ll give you a soapbox, but you’re not the head coach, run the defense. You can brag about your defense all the time; you can talk about it ’til the cows come home.”
Francesa’s got love for the Jets’ roster, and he’s all in on bringing Aaron Rodgers back for another shot under the right circumstances.
But the kicker? He wants a dynamic offensive mind as head coach, while Ryan handles the defense like the defensive mastermind he is.
Ryan Sets His Sights on Jets Head Coaching Job
Ryan’s got some serious swagger about landing the HC gig in New York. On the “DiPietro & Rothenberg Show,” Ryan made it clear: If he gets the job, there’s no more “country club” vibes, especially when it comes to Rodgers.
“If he comes back, it ain’t gonna be the country club. That ain’t gonna happen,” Ryan shot back, calling out Rodgers for skipping mandatory minicamp last year.
Rodgers put up solid numbers (3,897 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions) but had a tough first full season in New York — injury and all. Still, he hit the big 500-touchdown milestone, which is no small feat.
But Ryan isn’t here to coddle him. With the Jets on the lookout for their next head coach, Ryan is straight-up confident he’s the man for the job.
“I’m the best guy for it. It ain’t close,” he said, adding he knows how to vibe with the team and the fans. It’s not just about X’s and O’s — it’s about bringing that energy.