With the New York Jets’ season increasingly derailing, it seems inevitable the team will have a new head coach in 2025.
One alumnus is vying for a second stint.
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Appearing on the “DiPietro and Rothenberg Show” on ESPN Radio, Rex Ryan was asked if he would consider being the Jets’ head coach again if asked.
“Oh, I’d do it in a second because I am a New York Jet. I absolutely would,” Ryan responded. “I’m not here to politic, and it seems like it because I tell the truth and I speak as a fan of this football team and this community. That’s why it makes sense. So, yeah, we’ll see. I hope I get an opportunity to interview for it. That’s absolutely a given. I hope I get that opportunity.”
Ryan was the Jets’ head coach from 2009-14. He compiled a 46-50 record and was fired after a 4-12 finish in 2014. However, the Jets finished at least .500 in four of Ryan’s six seasons. The highlights were his first two years when the Jets reached back-to-back AFC Championship Games after four upset victories on the road. The Jets’ shocking 28-21 victory over the Patriots in the 2010 AFC Divisional remains their last playoff victory, and 2010 was their last postseason appearance.
Given how outspoken he is, it would not be surprising if Ryan more forcefully campaigns as the season progresses. He lambasted the Jets’ coaching staff and castigated the players for their lack of pride in the organization. He clearly feels he can fix that.
The question is if bringing back an old guard makes sense. Despite an increasingly poor showing from the Jets’ defense as the season has progressed, it is their offense that has needed fixing for decades (including during Ryan’s first stint). Ryan is a defensive head coach, and the Jets need someone to run their offense. Ryan would fix their problems with team identity but not necessarily with schematics, play design, or talent evaluation.
Still, there will undoubtedly be many in the Jets fan community pulling heavily for their beloved former head coach. Ryan’s tenure with the Jets was the most successful in recent memory and brought back Jets fans’ sense of belief and pride. It remains to be seen whether Woody Johnson will grant Ryan an opportunity.
