Woody Johnson’s plan of bringing Aaron Rodgers to solve their issues and guide them to the playoffs hasn’t worked out. The New York Jets are on the path to missing the playoffs 14 times in a row.
In a tumultuous season, Johnson has fired head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas in a space of six weeks. NFL analyst Mike Florio suggests that Johnson should look to Rex Ryan for his next head coach.
Woody Johnson Needs To Bring Back Rex Ryan as HC Argues Mike Florio
The 77-year-old has been taking a lot of heat for his mismanagement with the Jets. However, Florio, while writing for Pro Football Talk, highlights a different path — to rehire the same man he fired in 2014.
Johnson bought the Jets for $635 million in 2000. During this period, the team enjoyed its most glorious years under Ryan’s tenure. The Jets went to back-to-back AFC Championship Games in Ryan’s first two seasons. However, in the sixth season, with a record of 4-12, Ryan was let go.
Florio contends this is the perfect situation for a Johnson and Ryan reunion. “First, who else would take the job? No one with options will opt to work for Woody,” writes Florio.
“For Rex, who has been there and done that and might want to go there and do that again, there’s no one else clamoring to hire him to be a head coach. It’s a perfect fit.”
Ryan ended his tenure with the Jets with an overall record of 46-50 (a win rate of .479).
Ryan Opens Up on a Job Possibility With Johnson and the Jets
After ending his relationship with the Jets, Ryan was made the head coach of the Buffalo Bills for two seasons. After that, Ryan has enjoyed the position of an analyst with various broadcasters and is currently with ESPN. However, recently the 61-year-old talked about the situation at the Jets.
“The coaching is an absolute disaster. I’m not sugarcoating it — it’s been bad, it stinks, and there’s no way around it,” he said on ESPN. “This guy, your defensive coordinator and head coach — good luck with that for a guy that’s never done it.”
The former head coach was asked what would’ve happened had he been at the helm of the coaching staff. “Probably undefeated,” he responded. That’s just me.” He also added that he might receive a call from Johnson after the season is over.