Rex Ryan gives take on Robert Saleh, NY Jets: ‘No more excuses’

Appearing on ESPN Radio, the former NY Jets’ head coach gave his thoughts about what the team needs to improve.

The last New York Jets coach to earn a playoff appearance gave his thoughts on the current state of the team.

Appearing on ESPN Radio with Jake Asman and Ty Butler, Rex Ryan spoke about what he would do to fix the team.

“They have a really good defense, and that gives them an opportunity to fix that dang offensive line. Maybe get another playmaker in there on offense, but spend everything you have on that offense. They brought Aaron Rodgers in to take a shot at a championship, and then you gotta do it.”

Would Woody Johnson change his mind about retaining Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas if the #Jets lose to the Patriots for the 16th straight time next Sunday?

We asked Rex Ryan that question when he joined @TyDButler and me on @DRonESPN this morning! pic.twitter.com/YFZx9wqrY9

— Jake Asman (@JakeAsman) January 1, 2024

Ryan also mentioned the Cleveland Browns overcoming their injury struggles and said the Jets’ current regime should not get any more free passes going forward.

“There’s no more excuses. It’s either you get it done, or it’s bust, and I think Robert Saleh is good with that. Like, give me a chance to have Aaron Rodgers out there. I’m going to say this, when you have a Hall-of-Fame quarterback, it’s hard not to win.”

The ex-head coach also said that while he does not expect owner Woody Johnson to change his mind on keeping Saleh and Joe Douglas, he expects “heads to roll” if the team struggles again next season.

Known at times for outlandish comments, Ryan’s recent ones are sound and reasonable.

The Jets do need to invest a vast amount of resources into their offense, with the major needs being at receiver and offensive line. They do need to go “all-in” in 2024 with Rodgers back at quarterback. If they are unsuccessful, a switch at general manager and head coach will be needed.

While not easy to achieve, the blueprint to success is valid out for the Jets this offseason. How they choose to follow and execute it, though, will play a major role in whether the team succeeds or fails in 2024.