Will Hiring Rex Ryan Be the Move That Turns Around the New York Jets? | The Herd
The New York Jets, a franchise rich in history but unfortunately devoid of consistent success in recent decades, find themselves once again searching for a way to return to prominence. The team’s struggles have been well-documented, marked by a series of failed coaching tenures, inconsistent quarterback play, and a franchise that hasn’t reached the NFL playoffs since 2010. However, with the hiring of Rex Ryan, a name that brings a blend of excitement, nostalgia, and questions, could this be the move that finally turns around the Jets’ fortunes?
Rex Ryan is a coach that has always commanded attention, whether it was for his bombastic personality, his deep knowledge of defense, or his penchant for controversial soundbites. His tenure with the Jets (2009-2014) left an indelible mark on the team, bringing them within one game of the Super Bowl in consecutive years and earning a reputation as one of the most well-respected defensive minds in the game. Ryan’s previous stint in New York was a rollercoaster of highs and lows—filled with brilliant defensive schemes and electrifying moments, but also marred by frustration and a lack of offensive consistency.
In this article, we will explore whether Rex Ryan’s return to the Jets is the move that will turn around the franchise, analyzing his previous tenure with the team, the current state of the Jets, and whether his unique style and experience can breathe new life into a team that has long been in search of an identity.
Rex Ryan’s First Stint with the Jets: A Double-Edged Sword
Rex Ryan’s first tenure as head coach of the New York Jets was a memorable one, full of ups and downs, and marked by some of the franchise’s most exciting moments of the 21st century. Ryan was hired in 2009, inheriting a team that had been struggling to regain its footing after a series of disappointing seasons. His arrival was met with a surge of enthusiasm, as he immediately brought an aura of confidence and swagger to the team.
The Highs: Defensive Prowess and Success in the Playoffs
Under Ryan, the Jets became one of the NFL’s most feared defenses. Known for his aggressive and unpredictable defensive schemes, Ryan built a unit that was consistently among the best in the league. He introduced a physical, hard-hitting style of play that quickly gained the respect of opposing teams. Ryan’s defense, led by key players like Darrelle Revis, Bart Scott, and Muhammad Wilkerson, terrorized quarterbacks and created turnovers. This defensive dominance led the Jets to the playoffs in Ryan’s first two seasons, with back-to-back trips to the AFC Championship Game in 2009 and 2010.
The 2009 season, in particular, was a magical year for the Jets. The team, despite having a rookie quarterback in Mark Sanchez, exceeded expectations by reaching the AFC Championship Game. The defense was suffocating, and Sanchez, while not a superstar, managed the game efficiently. The Jets’ success was built on a physical, in-your-face defense that Ryan orchestrated with meticulous detail. In 2010, they made it to the AFC Championship Game once again, with many people believing they were one game away from reaching the Super Bowl. Despite losing both times to the Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers, respectively, the Jets proved they could compete with the league’s best.
The Lows: Offensive Struggles and Missed Opportunities
Despite the defensive success, Ryan’s tenure was not without its shortcomings. The most significant issue, and perhaps the reason his tenure ultimately ended in 2014, was the Jets’ lack of offensive production. The team struggled to find a consistent quarterback, and while Mark Sanchez showed promise at times, his inconsistency ultimately led to the team’s inability to reach the next level. Ryan’s aggressive defensive schemes often overshadowed the lack of offensive firepower, but the inability to put together a balanced team proved to be a fatal flaw.
Additionally, Ryan’s penchant for bold proclamations, and sometimes controversial comments, occasionally rubbed people the wrong way. His brashness—while a source of confidence for his players—at times alienated fans and the media, and the pressure on the Jets to deliver after all the talk only mounted. The Jets failed to make the playoffs in Ryan’s final four seasons, and his tenure ended with a sense of unfulfilled potential, leaving fans to wonder what could have been if the team had been able to find consistency on offense.
The Current State of the New York Jets
To fully assess whether Rex Ryan’s return to the Jets could signal a turnaround, we must first take stock of where the franchise stands today. The New York Jets have been in a state of flux for many years, with brief flashes of promise overshadowed by disappointment. In the post-Ryan era, the Jets have cycled through various head coaches, including Todd Bowles and Adam Gase, neither of whom were able to establish long-term success.
The Quarterback Quandary
Perhaps the biggest issue facing the Jets right now is their inability to find a franchise quarterback. Over the years, the team has used a variety of quarterbacks—none of whom have been able to elevate the team to playoff contention. From Sanchez to Geno Smith to Sam Darnold, the Jets have failed to develop a consistent leader under center. Their quarterback instability has been the primary factor in their lack of success, and it remains the team’s most significant obstacle.
As of 2023, the Jets have drafted Zach Wilson, who they hoped would be the long-term solution. However, Wilson has struggled in his early years, showing flashes of talent but also inconsistencies that have led to frustration. If Rex Ryan returns, one of the most pressing questions will be whether he can fix Wilson or whether the Jets will look for a different option at quarterback.
Defense: A Strength Waiting to Be Unleashed
On the defensive side of the ball, the Jets have some promising pieces. The team has invested heavily in their defense in recent years, adding talent to the roster in hopes of building a unit capable of dominating games. With players like defensive lineman Quinnen Williams, linebacker C.J. Mosley, and cornerback Sauce Gardner, the Jets have a foundation to build on. The Jets’ defense has been a bright spot in recent seasons, and if Ryan returns to the team, he will have a talented unit ready to implement his aggressive defensive schemes.
However, the question remains whether Ryan can get the most out of these players and elevate the defense to elite status once again. Ryan’s defensive schemes are known for being creative and dynamic, but they require a high level of talent and discipline from the players. If Ryan can unlock the full potential of this defense, it could become one of the league’s most feared units, giving the Jets the opportunity to win games on that side of the ball while the offense continues to develop.
The Offensive Struggles: Can Rex Ryan Fix It?
While the defense appears to be a strength, the Jets’ offense continues to be a significant weakness. Whether it’s the lack of a proven quarterback or issues along the offensive line, the Jets have been unable to put together a balanced offense. In Rex Ryan’s first stint with the team, he struggled to manage the offense and help it become a consistent force. The challenge for Ryan upon his return will be whether he can fix the offense, either by working with the current personnel or finding ways to improve the scheme.
Unlike his first tenure, when Ryan had a promising young quarterback in Mark Sanchez (who reached the AFC Championship Game twice), this Jets team lacks a clear leader at quarterback. If Ryan returns to coach the team, he will likely need to make significant changes to the offensive side of the ball, either by developing Wilson or potentially seeking a new signal caller. The question remains whether Ryan, known for his defensive acumen, can surround his team with a strong offensive system that complements his defensive philosophy.
Can Rex Ryan Turn This Team Around?
With all of this in mind, the question becomes: can Rex Ryan truly turn around the New York Jets? The answer isn’t straightforward, but there are compelling reasons why his return could provide the spark the Jets need.
1. Defensive Identity and Culture
Rex Ryan’s return could reinvigorate the Jets’ defense, creating an identity and culture that the team can rally around. His defensive schemes, built on aggression and unpredictability, could take advantage of the Jets’ talented defensive roster. Ryan’s ability to create chaos for opposing quarterbacks and his knack for developing players could elevate the defense to new heights. A dominant defense could give the Jets the ability to win games even when their offense struggles, which could be the foundation for success.
2. Leadership and Accountability
Rex Ryan’s fiery leadership style could provide the Jets with a level of accountability that has been lacking in recent seasons. He is known for getting the most out of his players, especially on the defensive side of the ball, and his no-nonsense approach could help establish a winning culture. If Ryan can instill a sense of discipline and purpose in the locker room, the Jets might find the consistency they have been lacking for years.
3. Offensive Development
While Ryan’s strength lies in defense, he will need to address the Jets’ offensive woes. If he can work with the offensive coordinator to create a more balanced attack, especially in terms of developing a reliable quarterback, Ryan could help the Jets achieve success. The biggest challenge for Ryan will be whether he can find a quarterback who can handle the pressure and develop into a leader for the offense.
Conclusion: A Risk Worth Taking?
Hiring Rex Ryan is a bold move by the New York Jets, and it comes with both high potential and significant risk. Ryan’s return brings with it a sense of nostalgia for a time when the Jets were one of the NFL’s most feared teams. His success in building an elite defense and his leadership style are qualities the Jets desperately need. However, the team’s struggles at quarterback and their continued offensive issues present major challenges.
Ultimately, Ryan’s ability to turn the Jets around will depend on his ability to develop a balanced team, starting with fixing the offense. If he can successfully blend his defensive genius with the right offensive system, the Jets may finally find themselves back in the playoff race. However, it will take more than just strong defensive play—it will require leadership, offensive development, and a new mindset for the team. Whether Rex Ryan can accomplish this will be one of the most intriguing storylines for the Jets in the coming years. For now, Jets fans are holding their breath, hoping that Ryan’s return could mark the beginning of a new era of success for a franchise that has long been searching for its way.
