Former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan is confident he’ll reclaim his old job, stating he’s the top candidate to revive the struggling franchise.
During an appearance on ESPN radio, Ryan didn’t hold back when asked if he believed he could be the Jets’ next head coach.
“100 percent, absolutely I do. And the reason I think I’m going to get it is because I’m the best guy and it ain’t close,” Ryan said.
Ryan, who led the Jets to back-to-back AFC Championship appearances in 2009 and 2010, emphasized his ability to energize both the team and its fan base, contrasting his style with that of other potential candidates.
He singled out Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, a rising name in coaching circles, as someone ill-suited for what the Jets currently need.
“The thing you have to do, you have to connect with your football team, you have to connect with your fan base,” Ryan said.
“The way they play, that’s the most important thing. Not just the Xs and Os and all that. This Ben Johnson, I love him. I absolutely love him. But I’m a better candidate for this job than he would be.”
The Jets haven’t reached the playoffs since Ryan’s early success with the team, though his tenure didn’t end on a high note.
After the back-to-back championship game appearances, Ryan’s teams failed to make the playoffs in his final four seasons with the Jets.
He later coached the Buffalo Bills for two years, also missing the postseason. Since then, he’s enjoyed his time as an NFL analyst for ESPN.
However, Ryan has made it clear – as only he can – that he is without a doubt the perfect coach for the Jets going forward.
Ryan is eager to make his case to Jets owner Woody Johnson, framing himself as the passionate and experienced leader the team needs to turn things around.
Whether his past record can sway Johnson remains to be seen, but Ryan’s confidence in his ability to recapture the (relative) good ol’ days is unmistakable.
Many Jets fans are hoping that they’ll be able to land Mike Vrabel. Despite Rex’s popularity, the majority of the fan base recognizes that Vrabel is the better coach of the two.
However, it seems close to a sure thing that Vrabel will be taking over for the now-fired Jerod Mayo in New England.
Assuming Vrabel and the picky-Ben Johnson are indeed off the table, should Rex be considered the top target for Woody and company???
Needless to say, you won’t have to twist his arm to accept the job…
