Jets owner Woody Johnson didn’t delve too deeply into the future of his head coach, but after an offseason that felt like an inevitable final act for Rex Ryan, Johnson was openly supportive after a surprising 4-3 start.
“We’re happy with Rex,” Johnson said, via Gary Myers of the New York Daily News. “Coaches have to be good teachers and good leaders and I think he’s both.”
Johnson said he’d reserve comment on Ryan’s future with the team until after the season. Much could change between now and then, but at the moment, Ryan has the Jets playing far above expectations, after an overtime win over their division rival Patriots.
Ryan’s contract runs through the 2014 season, meaning they’ll have to make a call this offseason to avoid the always awkward lame duck season.
“I will make a statement after the season,” Johnson said. “I never make any comments regarding contracts during the season.”
Asked if he anticipated keeping Ryan, Johnson replied: “I don’t make any statements like that. The only thing I’ll say is I’m happy with him. I think he’s a great teacher, a good teacher, maybe a great teacher and a good leader.”
There’s no point in, or incentive for Johnson declaring his undying love for Ryan at the moment. As well as they’ve played, there’s still a possibility things could go wrong, and with a new General Manager, there’s no security for anyone who predated John Idzik’s arrival.