Former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan is in the running for his old job and he’s making a big pitch to get it. In an interview with ESPN radio on Monday, Ryan said he believes he’s the best fit for the position and believes he can connect with the team and fan base. Ryan mentioned that he’s a proven track record of success, having led the Jets to back-to-back AFC championship game appearances in 2009 and 2010.
Ryan also had some harsh words for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who missed mandatory minicamp over the summer for a trip to Egypt. “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,” Ryan said. “If he comes back, things would be different. If he’s back, it ain’t gonna be the country club, show up whenever the hell you want to show up. That ain’t gonna happen.”
Ryan’s comments come as Rodgers’ future with the Jets remains uncertain. After the team’s season-ending win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Rodgers expressed a love for the organization and a desire to help the team turn things around if he returns. Ryan, if hired, would likely have a big say in how the team is managed. The Jets are set to interview Ryan for the head coach position on Tuesday.
