Will hiring Rex Ryan be the move that turns around the New York Jets? | The Herd
Will Hiring Rex Ryan Be the Move That Turns Around the New York Jets? | The Herd
In the unpredictable world of the NFL, few coaching hires would spark as much debate as the potential return of Rex Ryan to the New York Jets. Known for his brash personality, unapologetic confidence, and defensive prowess, Ryan’s name has resurfaced in discussions about the Jets’ future following their recent struggles. While many Jets fans remember the good times during Ryan’s first tenure, the real question remains: can hiring Rex Ryan again be the move that finally turns around the New York Jets?
A Brief History: Rex Ryan’s Impact on the Jets
Rex Ryan’s first stint with the Jets, from 2009 to 2014, was characterized by his ability to turn a previously underachieving franchise into a competitive playoff contender. Under Ryan’s leadership, the Jets reached the AFC Championship Game in back-to-back seasons (2009 and 2010), with a defense that was widely regarded as one of the most formidable in the league. Ryan’s defenses, led by stars like Darrelle Revis, Bart Scott, and Calvin Pace, ranked among the league’s best in both pass defense and total defense, making the Jets one of the toughest teams to face.
Despite the early success, Ryan’s later years with the Jets were marked by mediocrity and frustration. While his defensive schemes remained effective, the offense, under multiple coordinators and quarterbacks, was inconsistent. The Jets failed to reach the playoffs in his final five seasons, culminating in Ryan’s dismissal after the 2014 season. Still, his time in New York left a lasting legacy — particularly his ability to create a tough, no-nonsense culture. But is that enough to justify a return?
The Current State of the New York Jets
Fast forward to today, and the Jets are in the midst of yet another rebuilding phase. After years of subpar performances and coaching changes, the team seems poised to finally make a leap. With a defense that is now among the league’s best, thanks in part to the development of players like Quinnen Williams, CJ Mosley, and rookie Sauce Gardner, the foundation is there. What has remained elusive, however, is consistent quarterback play and offensive production. The Jets have cycled through multiple quarterbacks in recent years, from Sam Darnold to Zach Wilson, with no long-term solution in sight.
The arrival of head coach Robert Saleh in 2021 brought a new energy to the team. Saleh, known for his defensive mind and leadership, helped improve the Jets’ defense but struggled to develop a coherent offensive identity. The team’s poor quarterback play continued to hold them back from true contention. With Saleh’s future seemingly uncertain, the idea of bringing back Rex Ryan to right the ship has started to gain traction.
Can Rex Ryan Turn Things Around?
On paper, Ryan’s return could make sense for several reasons. First and foremost, the Jets’ defense, which has been the team’s strength in recent years, would be in good hands with Ryan. His ability to coach up defenses, create pressure schemes, and build a team identity around hard-nosed football could be the spark the Jets need to return to playoff contention. His previous success with the Jets was built on a strong defensive unit, and with a talented group in place, Ryan could immediately make the Jets’ defense a force once again.
However, Ryan’s success has always been linked to his ability to work with a competent or above-average offense. During his time with the Jets, the defense often carried the team, but a strong offense was necessary to take the team over the top. For Ryan to be successful in his second stint, he would need to work closely with the Jets’ offense — something that wasn’t always his strength the first time around. His past struggles with offensive coordinators and quarterbacks could be a liability.
Moreover, Ryan’s fiery personality, while endearing to many fans, can sometimes be polarizing. He’s known for his bold statements and high-energy approach, but will it mesh with the current roster? The Jets are a team that has been rebuilding for years, and while they have some established veterans, the team is still relatively young. Ryan’s coaching style would need to adapt to this changing dynamic, ensuring he doesn’t alienate players who are still growing into their roles.
The X-Factor: Quarterback Play
Ultimately, the key to any Jets turnaround will hinge on the play of the quarterback. Despite Ryan’s ability to coach defenses, the lack of consistent quarterback play has been the Jets’ Achilles’ heel for over a decade. Whether the Jets pursue a trade for a proven veteran quarterback or develop a young player like Zach Wilson remains to be seen. Ryan’s history as a defensive coach does not necessarily include working with quarterbacks, which raises questions about how he would approach that position.
If the Jets can secure stable, above-average quarterback play, Ryan’s defensive philosophy could elevate the team to playoff contention once again. But, without that, it’s hard to see how Ryan’s return would lead to sustainable success.
Conclusion: Is Rex Ryan the Answer?
Hiring Rex Ryan to lead the New York Jets would undoubtedly energize the fanbase and reintroduce a tough, competitive culture to the locker room. His proven track record of building elite defenses could provide an immediate boost, particularly with the talented defensive roster the Jets currently have. However, his struggles on the offensive side of the ball and the team’s ongoing quarterback issues are significant hurdles that would need to be addressed.
The Jets are closer to contention than they’ve been in years, but whether Rex Ryan is the missing piece to turn things around is unclear. While his return could bring back some much-needed toughness and defensive expertise, it’s the quarterback play that will ultimately determine the team’s fate. If the Jets can solve that puzzle, Rex Ryan’s second tenure could very well be the catalyst for long-term success.
