Rex Ryan is the best head coach candidate out there… according to Rex Ryan.
Appearing on ESPN New York’s “DiPietro & Rothenberg,” Ryan, who will interview for the New York Jets’ head coach vacancy on Tuesday, expressed his confidence in landing the job.
“100 percent, absolutely I do [think I will land the job]. 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 shared why he is the perfect candidate for the job, contrasting his coaching style with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, whom he believes would be a poor fit in New York.
“The thing you have to do, you have to connect with your football team, you have to connect with your fan base,” Ryan added. “The way they play, that’s the most important thing. Not just the X’s and O’s 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.”
Ryan, 62, spent six seasons as the Jets’ head coach (2009-2014) and recorded a 46-50 record while leading the team to consecutive AFC championship games in 2009 and 2010. Ryan missed the playoffs in his final four seasons with New York, and did the same in two ensuing seasons as the Buffalo Bills’ head coach (2015-2016).
The Jets have not returned to playoffs since they moved on from Ryan, who has not coached in any capacity since he was fired by Buffalo after the 2016 season. Currently serving as an ESPN analyst, Ryan has spent months campaigning for a second chance with the Jets. The 62-year-old’s wish has been granted, as he will interview for the job on Tuesday.
As the Jets continue to search for their future head coach and general manager, Ryan will be the third candidate to interview for the organization’s head coach vacancy, following Mike Vrabel and Ron Rivera.
