If Jets G.M. John Idzik wants to hire his own coach, Idzik may have to wait at least one more year.
Citing multiple unnamed sources, Adam Schefter of ESPN writes that the signs are pointing to coach Rex Ryan returning for a sixth season.
This will be the third straight year that the Jets haven’t made it to the playoffs; Ryan took the Jets to the AFC title game in each of his first two campaigns at the helm. But Ryan nevertheless has led the Jets to seven wins in 2013 despite a dearth of talent on the offensive side of the ball.
If Ryan stays, he’ll likely get a contract extension. His current deal expires after the 2014 season.
The key will be the number of years added to the deal. A one-year Band-Aid will mean that he’s coaching for his job again in 2014.
Ryan reportedly told his team last week that the “word on the street” is that he’ll be fired. It may have been a motivational ploy, or it may have been proof that owner Woody Johnson has kept Rex in the dark.
Regardless, Ryan should stay. He has done far more with far less than he’s had in any prior season on the job. If/when Idzik gives Rex a better roster, he may finally be able to lift the team one step beyond the Super Bowl semifinals.