Once again, ESPN analyst Rex Ryan is trying to return to an NFL sideline.
On Monday, Ryan told Jake Asman of WHSQ-AM in New York that he expects to speak with the Jets for their head-coaching opening after the regular season ends.
The Jets (4-12) fired head coach Robert Saleh on Oct. 8. In 11 games under interim HC Jeff Ulbrich, they’ve gone 2-9.
Ryan was Jets HC from 2009-14, guiding the team to two AFC Championship games in his first two seasons. He also served as Buffalo Bills HC for two seasons but went 15-16 and was fired after Week 16 in 2016.
The 33rd Team’s Mike Tannenbaum — Jets general manager from 2006-12 — is helping the organization search for its next coach and general manager. Of course, Ryan and Tannenbaum have some history, but expect the Jets to pass on him.
Coaches who try to return from a long hiatus can fail miserably. In 2006, the Raiders rehired Art Shell as HC after a six-year break. He went 2-14 and was canned after one season.
That could explain why the Denver Broncos and the Dallas Cowboys didn’t hire Ryan when he interviewed for their defensive coordinator openings in 2023 and 2024.
Regardless, Ryan doesn’t seem like the Jets’ top candidate. On Monday, NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero tweeted they’re scheduled to interview former Panthers/Commanders HC Ron Rivera this week. In 13 seasons (2011-23), Rivera led the Panthers to Super Bowl 50 and won Coach of the Year twice.
Connor Hughes of SNY-TV in New York recently reported former Tennessee Titans HC Mike Vrabel is the target “[the Jets] covet the most.” From 2018-23, Vrabel went 54-45 and made three playoff trips.
Either Vrabel or Rivera would be a better option than Ryan. The Jets haven’t made the playoffs since 2010, the longest active drought in the NFL. They need someone who hasn’t been out of the league for eight years to break it.
