Will Hiring Rex Ryan Be the Move That Turns Around the New York Jets? | The Herd
For a team like the New York Jets, a franchise that has spent the better part of a decade mired in mediocrity, the question of how to turn things around is one that has plagued both management and fans alike. The Jets have had their share of missteps, particularly in their attempts to build a consistent winner. As of 2025, the Jets find themselves with another head coaching vacancy after several unsuccessful seasons under previous leadership, leading to another critical question: could hiring Rex Ryan be the move that finally propels the New York Jets into playoff contention once again?
Rex Ryan, the fiery and outspoken former head coach of the Jets from 2009 to 2014, remains a figure synonymous with the franchise during one of its more successful recent eras. His time as head coach was marked by defensive brilliance and high levels of swagger, as well as a few near-misses that left the team and its fans wondering “what if.” Despite his fiery personality and aggressive defensive mindset, Ryan’s tenure didn’t result in the sustained success many thought was possible, leading to his departure after six seasons.
Now, as the Jets are once again looking to get back to the playoffs, there is growing speculation that bringing Ryan back could be the key to breaking their postseason drought. The question remains: is Rex Ryan the right coach to finally turn the Jets into contenders again? In this article, we will delve into Ryan’s coaching legacy, the current state of the Jets, and analyze whether his return would be the right move for a team desperately searching for answers.
The Legacy of Rex Ryan: Highs, Lows, and What Went Wrong
Rex Ryan’s tenure as head coach of the New York Jets was an emotional rollercoaster, filled with both remarkable highs and crushing lows. Upon his hiring in 2009, Ryan quickly injected the team with a sense of confidence and an attitude that had been lacking in previous years. From the moment Ryan took the reins, it was clear that he had a unique approach to coaching—one that would forever change the team’s identity.
The Highs: Defensive Brilliance and Playoff Success
Ryan’s primary strength as a coach lies in his expertise as a defensive mastermind. During his six years as head coach, Ryan built one of the NFL’s most formidable defenses, which became the backbone of the Jets’ success. Under his leadership, the Jets ranked in the top 10 in total defense every year, and in 2009, they finished No. 1 overall in both rushing and total defense. The defensive unit was headlined by stars such as Darrelle Revis, Bart Scott, and Muhammad Wilkerson, who helped Ryan execute his aggressive, blitz-heavy defensive schemes.
In Ryan’s first two seasons, the Jets made back-to-back appearances in the AFC Championship Game, a feat that had Jets fans buzzing with excitement and hope. The 2009 team, led by rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez, surpassed all expectations, reaching the AFC Championship Game after knocking off the Cincinnati Bengals and San Diego Chargers in the postseason. The following year, the Jets returned to the AFC Championship Game, only to fall short to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but once again, Ryan’s defense played a critical role in carrying the team to the brink of a Super Bowl appearance.
The Lows: Offensive Inconsistencies and a Lack of Sustained Success
Despite his success on the defensive side of the ball, Rex Ryan’s tenure with the Jets was also marked by consistent failures on offense. The Jets never found long-term stability at the quarterback position during Ryan’s time as head coach, and as a result, they struggled to develop an effective offense. While Ryan’s defense could shut down opponents, the offense was often unable to score enough points to keep up, leading to frustrating defeats and missed opportunities.
Mark Sanchez, the team’s starting quarterback for much of Ryan’s tenure, had flashes of brilliance but never developed into a reliable, consistent leader. The Jets’ struggles at quarterback were compounded by a lack of a true offensive identity. Ryan, whose primary focus was on defense, never quite figured out how to construct an offense that could complement his dominant defensive units.
By the end of his tenure in 2014, the Jets had failed to make the playoffs for four consecutive seasons. While Ryan was known for his bold, brash persona and his ability to inspire his defense, the team never fully clicked, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Despite his best efforts, the Jets remained in limbo, unable to get over the hump.
The State of the New York Jets: A Franchise at a Crossroads
In 2025, the New York Jets are once again at a crossroads. After years of rebuilding, the team remains on the outside looking in when it comes to playoff contention. The team’s roster is filled with talent on both sides of the ball, but they have struggled to put it all together. Despite flashes of brilliance, the Jets have failed to break through to the playoffs, and their last postseason appearance came in 2010.
The Current State of the Jets’ Roster:
- Quarterback Woes: The Jets’ ongoing struggles at quarterback have remained a central issue. After the failure of Sam Darnold, the team has placed its hopes on Zach Wilson, but his development has been slow, and inconsistency has plagued him throughout his early years. Ryan’s return could be a game-changer for Wilson, but only if Ryan is able to work with him and help him find his footing. Given Ryan’s history with young quarterbacks, including his time with Mark Sanchez, there is optimism that Ryan’s coaching could help Wilson realize his potential.
- Defensive Strengths: One area where the Jets have excelled in recent years is defense. Led by young stars like cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, the Jets’ defense has been a consistent strength. Under Ryan, this defense could reach even greater heights. Ryan is known for his ability to scheme and create chaos for opposing offenses, and if he can develop a strong defensive unit around the existing talent, the Jets could become one of the league’s toughest defenses to crack.
- Offensive Improvements: While the offense has been an area of concern, the Jets have invested heavily in skill positions, including wide receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall, who are both young and talented. However, the key to their success will be the development of the quarterback and offensive line. Ryan’s return could signal a renewed focus on finding balance, helping the offense grow alongside the defense.
- Coaching Continuity: One of the biggest challenges for the Jets has been their inability to establish coaching continuity. Since Ryan’s departure, the Jets have cycled through several head coaches, each of whom has struggled to find success. Todd Bowles, Adam Gase, and Robert Saleh have all had their moments, but none have been able to lead the team to a playoff appearance. A return to stability and a strong leadership presence could be exactly what the Jets need to turn things around.
Can Rex Ryan Turn the Jets Around?
The question on everyone’s mind is whether Rex Ryan, with his brash persona and defensive genius, can lead the Jets back to the playoffs. While his past tenure in New York was mixed, there are several reasons why bringing Ryan back could be the right move for the franchise.
1. Defensive Expertise: The Jets’ defense is already one of the best in the league, and Ryan could elevate it even further. Known for his aggressive blitz schemes and ability to disguise coverages, Ryan’s defensive system would give the Jets a competitive edge. The Jets have the pieces in place to become a top-tier defense under Ryan’s tutelage, and this would give the team a solid foundation to build upon.
2. Leadership and Culture: Ryan has always been a strong motivator and a leader of men. His fiery personality and ability to inspire his players could instill a sense of confidence and toughness in the Jets’ locker room. In an era where coaching turnover has plagued the Jets, Ryan’s return could bring a sense of stability and purpose to a franchise that has long been searching for its identity.
3. Working with Young Talent: Ryan has proven that he can develop young talent, particularly on defense. His work with players like Darrelle Revis and Muhammad Wilkerson in the past demonstrates his ability to get the most out of his players. If Ryan can help develop Zach Wilson, Garrett Wilson, and the other young pieces on the roster, the Jets could quickly become a much more competitive team.
4. Fixing the Offensive Struggles: While Ryan’s primary focus has always been defense, he has shown a willingness to adapt. If Ryan can bring in the right offensive coordinator and work alongside him to fix the Jets’ offensive struggles, the team could become more balanced and dynamic. Ryan’s understanding of how to manage both sides of the ball could help the Jets become a more complete team.
The Case Against Rex Ryan’s Return
While bringing Rex Ryan back to the Jets could have its merits, there are also valid concerns about whether his return would be the right decision for the team’s long-term success.
1. Offensive Focus: Ryan’s strength has always been on the defensive side of the ball, but the Jets’ biggest need remains at quarterback and on offense. If Ryan is unable to find the right offensive coordinator or work effectively with the team’s quarterback, the Jets could continue to struggle on that side of the ball.
2. Stale Coaching Philosophy: Some critics argue that Ryan’s defensive-minded approach could be too predictable in today’s NFL, where offensive schemes are constantly evolving. While Ryan’s defensive acumen is still respected, the game has changed, and a more modern approach to both offense and defense may be required to succeed at the highest levels.
3. Past Inconsistencies: Despite his success early in his tenure with the Jets, Ryan’s later years were marked by frustration and a lack of consistency. The team’s failure to reach the playoffs in his final four seasons speaks to the fact that Ryan was unable to sustain the success needed to keep the Jets competitive year after year.
Conclusion: A Risk Worth Taking?
The New York Jets’ search for a playoff berth has lasted far too long. The team has talent, they have strong defensive pieces, and they are on the verge of becoming a contender—but they need the right leadership. Hiring Rex Ryan could be a bold and potentially transformative move for the franchise. His defensive brilliance, motivational style, and familiarity with the franchise could bring much-needed stability and success.
However, the question remains: can Ryan fix the offense and get the most out of the Jets’ young quarterback? If he can, the Jets could become a playoff team once again. If not, the same struggles that have plagued the franchise for years could resurface.
Ultimately, hiring Rex Ryan is a gamble. But for the New York Jets, sometimes taking a chance is exactly what’s needed to break the cycle of mediocrity and finally return to the playoffs. The risk is significant, but so too is the potential reward. If Ryan can return to his roots, embrace a more balanced coaching philosophy, and fix the offense, he might just be the one to lead the Jets back to the postseason after years of waiting.
