Rex hasn’t coached since 2016
Rex Ryan may be back in the coaching arena.
The former New York Jets head coach and fan favorite has been an analyst for ESPN since 2017. Rex is still known for his bold takes and brashness, although he’s curbed it a bit in front of the microphone.
Now, with Sean Payton’s return from retirement to coach the Denver Broncos, Ryan is heading over for an interview to become Payton’s defensive coordinator, FOX’s Jay Glazer reports.
A little Sunday morning scoopage: new Broncos head coach Sean Payton interview a surprise candidate this week to be his defensive coordinator, ESPN’s Rex Ryan @NFLonFOX
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) February 12, 2023
Rex certainly has a strong track record with defense. He coached some of Baltimore’s dominant defenses from 2005-08 and architected the ‘Revis Island’-led outfits of 2009-10. Those defenses made back-to-back championship games as much on the back of Ryan’s bold blitzes as talent.
Some Jets fans felt betrayed by Rex when he immediately took Buffalo’s head coaching position following his firing in New York. Indeed, the sting of the 2015 loss in the season finale to Rex’s Bills will not quite fade until the Jets break their 12-season playoff drought.
However, Rex has returned to fan-favorite status ever since he was fired by Buffalo after the 2016 season. Denver is a safe enough venue to still appreciate him from a distance.
Denver would certainly be a strong location for Rex to land. The Broncos tied for 12th with 21.1 points per game allowed in 2022 and still have talent at key positions on their defense, headlined by another lockdown corner in first-team All-Pro Patrick Surtain.
Rex would certainly relish the idea of having another player in the mold of first-ballot Hall of Fame cornerback Darrelle Revis.
Good luck, Rex. We don’t begrudge you a return to the NFL ring, especially if it’s safe and far away from the Jets.
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Since Sean Payton hired, and fired, Rob Ryan as his defensive coordinator, he must think he can control Rex from being a distraction. After all, you never hear Sean Payton talking about the Super Bowl week in and week out. But given his brother’s firing, I’m a little surprised he would consider the job.