The New York Jets are at a crossroads, desperately seeking a leader to reverse their fortunes after a tumultuous season — and former head coach Rex Ryan thinks he is the best fit for the job.
The Jets are closing their 14th straight year without a playoff appearance, the longest active drought in the NFL. The team’s need for a transformational head coach is urgent. The recent firing of Robert Saleh and the interim stint of Jeff Ulbrich have augmented the franchise’s struggle to find stability and direction, and Ryan believes he might be able to fix it.
Rex Ryan’s Bold Campaign for a Second Stint With the Jets
The former Jets coach is boldly campaigning for a second act with the team. He led Gang Green to consecutive AFC Championship Games in 2009 and 2010. His previous success and familiarity with the team have led him to believe that he’s the perfect fit to reignite the team’s competitive spirit.
During a recent appearance on ESPN Radio, Ryan left no doubt about his confidence. “Oh, 100 percent. Absolutely I do,” he said when asked if he thought he’d get the job. “And the reason I think I’m gonna get it is because I’m the best guy — and it ain’t close.”
Rex Ryan told @HDumpty39 and @RothenbergESPN that he loves his chances of landing the Jets head coaching job.pic.twitter.com/5zqfPRzJva
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 6, 2025
Ryan’s pitch centers on his ability to connect with the team and its fan base while bringing a no-nonsense mentality to the organization.
“We’re not gonna take any poop… we’re gonna kick your ass, and we don’t care if you like it or not,” Rex Ryan said. He outlined a vision of accountability and enthusiasm. The Super Bowl XXXV champ added intrigue to the situation as he quickly dismissed competition from other candidates, including Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
The Jets have been a center of attraction, as even Bill Belichick, the legendary former Patriots coach, expressed interest in the Jets’ vacancy before taking a job at North Carolina. The revelation of Belichick’s unexpected overture highlighted the position’s attractiveness. However, it’s not hard to deduce that Ryan has brownie points amongst contenders for his deep familiarity with the franchise and a sense of unfinished business.
“That particular franchise… my dad was there forever, he won a Super Bowl, and it’s super close to me,” Ryan noted during a November interview per Yahoo Sports.
It isn’t hard to say that the decision looms large for the Jets. They are bearing the weight of a long-suffering fan base and the pressure to end their playoff drought, giving its owner Woody Johnson all the more reason to weigh on Ryan’s appeal for his proven passion and history.