NY Radio Host Calls Jets’ Coaching Hire an ‘Absolute Disaster
Rex Ryan is determined to secure another chance to coach the New York Jets, and on Tuesday morning, he had the opportunity to pitch himself for the role in an interview with the team. While the outcome of that interview is still unclear, WFAN host Sal Licata is hoping that it leads nowhere.
Licata voiced his concerns on Tuesday, saying, “To me, this is a mistake even interviewing Rex Ryan. Rex Ryan was a failed head coach for a reason, and to the Jets fans who love him, why? Because he won a few playoff games with the Jets? That’s not enough…This to me is the biggest mistake the Jets can make.”
Ryan, who has been actively campaigning for the Jets’ head coaching job, remains confident in his chances. In a recent appearance on ESPN New York’s morning show, he told hosts Rick DiPietro and Dave Rothenberg that he firmly believes he is the right man for the job, calling himself “the best guy” available. Ryan previously coached the Jets from 2009 to 2014, leading the team to back-to-back AFC Championship appearances in 2009 and 2010. However, since that success, the team has failed to make the playoffs.
While Ryan’s early years with the Jets were notable, his tenure over the full six seasons ended with an underwhelming 46-50 record. The team also suffered a 4-12 record in 2014, which resulted in a last-place finish in the AFC East. This lack of consistent success has led some to question his viability as a coach in today’s NFL.
Brandon Tierney, another WFAN host, echoed Licata’s sentiment, suggesting that the Jets’ apparent interest in Ryan is rooted in nostalgia. Tierney believes that if the Jets strip away the emotional attachment to Ryan’s past success, they would see that hiring him would be a major mistake. He bluntly stated, “I think hiring Rex Ryan would be a disaster for the New York Jets. An absolute disaster.”
As the Jets search for their next head coach, these critical opinions suggest that Ryan’s return may not be the right move for the team’s future.