The Jets have emerged from the trio of also-rans in the NFC East to finish second in the division, with an unlikely 8-8 record.
And that’s been good enough to keep Rex Ryan on the job.
Owner Woody Johnson announced after Sunday’s season-ending win in Miami that Rex Ryan will return to the team in 2014.
It remains unknown whether Ryan will be coaching under the final year of his current contract or receiving an extension. While some coaches have worked as lame ducks (e.g., Mike Tice with the Vikings in 2005, Marvin Lewis with the Bengals in 2010, John Fox with the Panthers in 2010), it would be hard for the Jets and Ryan to get through a season in which Ryan’s contract will expire upon conclusion of the Week 17 season.
Regardless, Rex will be the coach entering 2014. And that’s something that appeared to be inconceivable in late August.