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Jets Owner 'Remains Fond' of Controversial Ex-NFL Coach, Says Report

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Mariano | Last updated Jan 4, 2025 10:27 AM ET

The New York Jets will aim to end their season on a winning note when they take on the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.

The Jets, who only have four wins, will miss the playoffs for the 14th straight time, extending the longest active drought in the NFL.

The squad will face a lot of uncertainties once the season ends: Will Aaron Rodgers retire? Will Davante Adams stay? Which players to chase in the offseason? Plus, of course, the hunt for a new coach.

The Jets already interviewed former Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera and Cleveland Browns consultant Mike Vrabel and will interview former Jets coach Rex Ryan on Tuesday. Rumors have also linked Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarty to the Jets.

According to a report from New York Post's Brian Costello, Ryan could have an advantage.

"Jets owner Woody Johnson remains fond of Ryan, who electrified the franchise with his bold talk and entertaining style," wrote Costello.

To recall, it was Johnson who pushed to retain Ryan in 2014 despite his string of failed campaigns. It proved to be his last year with the Jets.

Fans called for the return of the 62-year-old Ryan when the Jets sacked Robert Saleh in October. The team, however, chose to go with Jeff Ulbrich on an interim basis.

Ryan led the Jets to back-to-back stints in the playoffs in his first two seasons with the team. His succeeding tenure, however, was riddled with controversies because of his brash personality. He butted heads with team officials and infamously guaranteed that the Jets would win the Super Bowl in 2011.

Ryan, currently an analyst for ESPN, has repeatedly expressed his desire to reunite with the Jets and try to carry them out of the cellar.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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