Former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan expressed hope that he would get a chance to face off against Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots during the 2025 season. Ryan reacted to the Patriots’ decision to hire Vrabel as their head coach on Sunday, saying “hopefully, I can kick this guy’s a– twice a year” with a smile.
Ryan had interviewed to be the Jets’ head coach and suggested he was the favorite to land the job, replacing Robert Saleh and interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich. He believes he is the best candidate for the position, stating “the reason I think I’m going to get it is because I’m the best guy for it. It ain’t close.”
Ryan also offered a pitch, taking a direct aim at quarterback Aaron Rodgers, saying “clearly, when you have a guy that doesn’t show up for mandatory minicamp – and, by the way, he’s your quarterback, coming off an injury – I think that’s an absolutely ridiculous message you send to the team.” He believes that if Rodgers were to return, the team would not be a “country club” and that players would not be able to show up whenever they want.
Ryan was 46-50 as the Jets’ head coach and was the last to lead the Jets to the playoffs.
