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Rex Ryan

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Rex Ryan
Rex Ryan
Rex Ryan in October 2011
New York Jets
Head coach
Personal information
Date of birth: (1962-12-13) December 13, 1962 (age 61)
Place of birth: Ardmore, Oklahoma
Career information
College: Southwestern Oklahoma State
No regular season or postseason appearances
Career history
 As coach:
*Eastern Kentucky (1987–1988)
(Graduate Assistant)
  • New Mexico Highlands (1989)
    (Assistant head coach/Defensive coordinator)
  • Morehead State (1990–1993)
    (Defensive coordinator)
  • Arizona Cardinals (1994–1995)
    (Defensive line coach/Linebackers)
  • Cincinnati (1996–1997)
    (Defensive coordinator)
  • Oklahoma (1998)
    (Defensive coordinator)
  • Kansas State (1999)
    (Defensive coordinator)
  • Baltimore Ravens (1999–2008)
    (Defensive line coach) (1999–2004)
    (Defensive coordinator) (2005–2008)
    (Assistant head coach/D.C.) (2008)
  • New York Jets (2009–present)
    (Head coach)
Career highlights and awards

Rex Ryan (born December 13, 1962) is an American football head coach for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). After serving as an assistant coach for 22 years, Ryan attained his first head coaching job in the NFL with the Jets in 2009. He is the son of former Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals head coach Buddy Ryan and is the fraternal twin brother of Rob Ryan, current defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints.

From a young age, Ryan aspired to follow in his father's footsteps and become a professional football coach. After spending the majority of his youth in Canada, Ryan returned to the United States as a teenager where he attended college at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Upon graduating Ryan spent the next 22 years serving as an assistant coach on different teams at both the college and professional level. At the behest of their head coach Brian Billick, Ryan joined the Baltimore Ravens in 1999 and spent nine years there. In 2005 he became the defensive coordinator, and in 2008 the assistant head coach.

Hours after the Ravens lost to the Steelers in the 2008 playoffs, Ryan accepted a contract offer from the Jets for their vacant head coaching position. During his tenure, Ryan has become well known throughout the league for his outspoken manner, boisterous attitude and success with the Jets, which has included back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances in the 2009 and 2010 seasons.[1][2] Players have expressed their interest in being coached by Ryan because of his friendly attitude.[2] Ryan's teams are highly regarded by critics for their defensive capabilities which often feature "relentlessness [and] unpredictable mayhem founded on [Ryan's] premise that 'whatever you do best, we're going to take away from you'", according to New York Times writer Nicholas Dawidoff.[1]

Early life[]

Rex Ryan, and his fraternal twin, Rob, were born in Ardmore, Oklahoma, on December 13, 1962, to Doris and Buddy Ryan.[3][4] When the boys were aged two, their parents amicably divorced.[5] Following the divorce, their mother attended the University of Chicago to earn her doctorate. Rex, Rob and their older brother Jim moved with her to Toronto, Canada, where she secured an administrative position at the University of Toronto.[1] During the course of his upbringing, Rex wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father, a defensive pioneer in the NFL known for developing the 46 defense, and by age six Rex and Rob knew they wanted to pursue coaching careers.[6]

In Canada, there was little emphasis on football, much to the disappointment of Rex.[7] By the time Rex was a teenager, Doris realized he and his brothers were too much to handle for a single mother trying to advance her career.[5] She decided it was in the best interest of the brothers to send them to live with their father, who was the defensive line coach for the Minnesota Vikings at the time. The reasons behind this were two-fold; to keep them out of trouble and to help them expand their knowledge of the game of football where it was more prevalent.[7]

In 1978, when Buddy was hired by the Chicago Bears as their defensive coordinator, Rex, Rob and Jim followed their father to Illinois where the family settled in Prairie View.[8] The brothers attended Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.[8]

Rex went on to attend Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma, alongside Rob,[9] and played for the football team as a defensive end.[5] He graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma in 1986,[9] and in 2011 was inducted into the university's Hall of Fame.[10]

Coaching career[]

Collegiate level[]

Upon graduating from Southwestern in 1986, with the help of his father, Ryan secured a job as a graduate assistant on the Division I-AA (now Division I FCS) Eastern Kentucky Colonels football team. At Eastern Kentucky, he had a multitude of responsibilities which ranged from making copies of game plans to picking players up at the airport.[11] The Colonels won the Ohio Valley Conference title in the two years Ryan served as an assistant.[12] At the age of 26, Ryan became the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at Division II New Mexico Highlands for a year, during which the team led the league in defensive turnovers.[11] After his stint with New Mexico Highlands, Ryan joined Division I Morehead State as the defensive coordinator, where he remained for four years.[11] During his tenure, the defense was ranked among the highest in the nation.[12]

After working for his father for two years with the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, Ryan returned to college coaching as the defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bearcats.[12] The Bearcats won the first Humanitarian Bowl over Utah State in Ryan's final year, marking the team's first bowl appearance in fifty years.[12] Ryan was the Oklahoma Sooners' defensive coordinator for a year in which the defense was ranked sixth in the nation.[12] However, head coach John Blake failed to achieve a winning record (more wins than losses) for a third straight year and subsequently, the entire staff was fired.[13] Ryan served as defensive coordinator at Kansas State for a month in 1999 under head coach Bill Snyder.[14]

National Football League[]

Assistant coach[]

Rex Ryan

Ryan as the Ravens' defensive coordinator, August 2008

When his father was hired as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in 1994, he offered Rex his first job in the NFL as a defensive assistant, working with the team's linebackers and defensive linemen.[15] After nine straight losing seasons prior to Buddy's arrival, the Cardinals produced an 8–8 record in Buddy's first year as head coach.[16] However, in his second season, the team went 4–12 and subsequently, the entire staff was fired despite the positive performance of the defense.[15][16]

Ryan went on to coach at three different colleges following his tenure with the Cardinals, though by the time he joined Kansas State in 1999, he was hopeful of a return to the NFL.[13] Ryan received a call from newly named head coach Brian Billick of the Baltimore Ravens, who wanted to interview him for the defensive line coaching position.[17] Having visited a class Ryan was teaching earlier in his career, Billick had been so impressed by Ryan's passion for the game of football that he decided to hire Ryan if he ever attained a head coaching position.[17] When offered the position, Ryan accepted.[17]

In his first year, the defense was ranked second overall in the NFL and second in rushing yards allowed.[12] By his second year, in 2000, the Ravens' defense set NFL records for fewest points allowed and fewest rushing yards allowed.[18] The defense allowed a combined 23 points in four playoff games en route to a Super Bowl XXXV victory, Ryan's only Super Bowl ring.[18] The defense consistently performed well in the following years. As a result, Ryan was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2005 following the departure of Mike Nolan, who became the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.[19][20] In 2006, Ryan received Assistant Coach of the Year awards from Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writers Association.[12]

Upon the conclusion of the Ravens' 5–11 performance in 2007, the entire staff was dismissed on New Year's Eve.[21] Ryan was one of the candidates interviewed by the Ravens for their head coaching vacancy;[22] however, the Ravens chose to name John Harbaugh as the team's new head coach.[23] Ryan also interviewed with Miami[22] and Atlanta[24] about filling their head coaching vacancies, but the offers went to Tony Sparano and Mike Smith respectively.[25]

Ryan was disappointed by his failure to obtain a head coaching job, but he agreed to return to Baltimore under the direction of Harbaugh, who retained Ryan as defensive coordinator and promoted him to assistant head coach.[26] In 2008, Ryan's final year with the team, the defense was ranked second overall in the NFL.[27] The Ravens lost by nine points in the AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ryan's nine-year tenure with the team, during which the defense never ranked lower than sixth overall in the NFL, concluded an hour later when he accepted the head coaching position with the New York Jets.[12][28]

Head coach[]

New York Jets[]
Rex Ryan and the Jets June 2009

Ryan as head coach, conducting a June 2009 New York Jets mini-camp at their Florham Park, New Jersey training center

Following a late season collapse in which the Jets missed the playoffs after losing four of their final five games, the team fired head coach Eric Mangini on December 29, 2008.[29] The team interviewed a host of candidates, including Ryan, Jeff Jagodzinski, Russ Grimm, Bill Callahan, and Brian Schottenheimer; however, the contract, which was valued at approximately $11.5 million over the course of four years, was ultimately offered to Ryan.[30]

Accepting the offer on January 19, 2009, Ryan immediately began to carry out a plan of action he outlined for the franchise's future.[31] He planned to remove the players from distractions on and off the field and allow them get to know one another to build team chemistry. Thus, training camp was moved to the campus of SUNY Cortland, where the team would be relatively secluded from the media and any other distractions.[31] Ryan and general manager Mike Tannenbaum were also determined to draft a quarterback who could lead and be the face of the franchise.[32] As a result, the team traded up to select Mark Sanchez with the fifth overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.[33]

The Jets opened their season against the Houston Texans.[34] Ryan began his head coaching career with a 24–7 victory over the Texans in which the Jets' defense shut out their opponents' offense. Houston's lone score came on a fumble return for a touchdown.[34] The following week, the defense did not allow a touchdown against the New England Patriots in a 16–9 victory at home, marking the Jets' first home victory over New England since 2000.[35] Ryan and the Jets went on to defeat the Tennessee Titans in week three, marking the first time the Jets opened the season at 3–0 since 2004.[36] The victory also allowed Ryan to become the Jets' first rookie head coach to win his first three games since Al Groh did so in 2000.[36] New York went on to lose six of their next seven games save for a shutout victory over the Oakland Raiders, 38–0.[37]

The team eventually recovered and won five of their final six games despite Ryan mistakenly stating the Jets had been eliminated from playoff contention following a loss to the Atlanta Falcons.[38] The Jets defeated a previously unbeaten Indianapolis Colts—a game not without controversy following Jim Caldwell's decision to pull Indianapolis' starters with the Colts leading.[39] The Colts, who had already achieved a playoff berth, had little to play for aside from a perfect record.[39] In the final game of the season, the Jets defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 37–0 at Giants Stadium, the final sporting event to be held at the venue, as the defense held Cincinnati to 72 total rushing yards, and 0 total yards passing.[40] The victory secured New York's playoff berth as a wild card team.[40] Under Ryan, the Jets finished the regular season ranked first overall in the NFL in rushing yards and total defense.[41] New York defeated Cincinnati again the following week, this time at Paul Brown Stadium, in the AFC Wild Card playoff round.[42] On January 17, 2010, Ryan coached the Jets in an upset over the San Diego Chargers, 17–14, on their way to the AFC Championship Game.[43] The Jets subsequently lost to the Colts 30–17 after leading in the first half of the game.[44] Ryan became embroiled in controversy a few days later when he made an obscene gesture towards heckling Dolphins fans who spat on him during a Strikeforce mixed martial arts event at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida.[45][46] Ryan apologized for his action, stating that it was "stupid and inappropriate."[46] Ryan was fined $50,000 by the Jets.[47]

As Ryan headed into his second year as the team's head coach, the club announced he had been given a two-year contract extension.[48] Ryan continued to exude confidence in the team, writing on ESPN's training camp tour bus "Soon To Be Champs" in August, referencing that the Jets would make it to the Super Bowl and become the eventual champions.[49] Ryan had been asked to sign the Jets' logo on the back of the bus but included the message with his signature.[50] The prediction was met with some criticism while others praised his brashness, something that was felt to be lacking in the NFL at the time.[49][51] When the team appeared on the television series Hard Knocks that same month, Ryan was criticized, particularly by former head coach Tony Dungy, for his use of foul language.[52] Dungy and Ryan later met in person to reconcile their differences.[52] Ryan's championship claims were nearly proven correct as the Jets opened the season with the best record in the NFL at 9–2.[53] This set the stage for a Monday night matchup with their division rival, the Patriots, who were also 9–2.[53] The Patriots, behind the strong performance of quarterback Tom Brady, defeated the Jets 45–3.[54] However, the Jets finished the season with a 11–5 record and qualified as a wild card team in the playoffs. The Jets were one win short of tying the franchise record in wins set by the 1998 team led by Bill Parcells.[55][56]

In the wild card round, the sixth-seeded Jets beat the AFC South champion and third-seeded Colts 17–16 on January 8, 2011, at the Colts' home field to qualify for the Divisional Playoffs.[57] The following week, on January 16, they defeated the AFC East champion and first-seeded Patriots 28–21, ending New England's eight-game winning streak.[58] The victory made the Jets the first team to win back-to-back road playoff games in consecutive seasons, and qualified them to advance to the AFC Championship Game for the second consecutive season, where they lost on the road to the AFC North champion Pittsburgh Steelers 24–19.[59]

The Jets opened their 2011 campaign with a 2–3 record, leading to discontent within their clubhouse. The team had begun to stray from its philosophy of consistently running the ball and began to pass more often, but the offense struggled with this adjustment.[60] Receivers Plaxico Burress, Santonio Holmes and Derrick Mason reportedly approached coach Ryan to question offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer's system.[61] Ryan, meanwhile, had begun to isolate himself from the rest of the team as he became less "hands-on" and opted to have his assistants coach the players at their respective positions.[62] Despite struggling to a 8–7 record, the Jets still had the ability to attain a playoff berth if they won their regular season finale against the Miami Dolphins in combination with the outcome of three other games played that day.[61]

However, the discontent within the locker room and the team's overall struggles culminated with Holmes criticizing and arguing with teammates in the huddle against Miami. Holmes was benched in the fourth quarter while the Jets subsequently lost 19–17, ending their postseason aspirations.[61] After the Jets finished the season with a disappointing 8–8 record, Ryan admitted to having lost the pulse of the team.[63] Then free agent running back LaDainian Tomlinson remarked that Ryan's Super Bowl predictions had an adverse affect on the locker room by placing undue pressure on the players. Ryan conceded this point and announced that he would refrain from making such statements publicly in the future.[64]

Through 11 weeks in 2012, the Jets struggled to a 4–7 record.[65] The presence of Tim Tebow created a controversy as the media and fans called for Ryan to bench the inconsistent Mark Sanchez in favor of Tebow.[66] Ryan was criticized for his decision to keep Tebow activated during the Jets' Thanksgiving Day contest against the New England Patriots despite Tebow playing with two broken ribs, leading to questions about his job security.[67] With Tebow inactive for the Jets' following contest against the Arizona Cardinals, Ryan made the decision to bench Sanchez, who threw three interceptions, in favor of Greg McElroy. McElroy threw a touchdown pass to Jeff Cumberland to score the team's only points in a 7–6 victory over Arizona.[68]

Ryan renamed Sanchez the starting quarterback the following Wednesday after seeking out multiple opinions within the organization.[69] In a must win game against the Tennessee Titans to remain in playoff contention, Sanchez struggled; he completed 13 of his 28 passes for 131 yards while throwing four interceptions and fumbling the ball in Titans territory in the closing minutes of the Jets' 14–10 defeat.[70] A day later, Ryan announced McElroy would start.[71] Sanchez started the final game of the season after McElroy suffered a concussion in his lone start.[72] Sanchez's struggles continued as the Jets fell to the Buffalo Bills and ended their year with a 6–10 record, their first losing season under Rex Ryan.[73] On December 31, 2012, the Jets fired general manager Mike Tannenbaum, but announced that Ryan would return for the 2013 season.[74]

Coaching philosophy[]

Ryan stresses that coaches are essentially supposed to be open and communicative with the players and management, who in turn will reciprocate the same attitude. By connecting with his associates, Ryan states, it's "valuable when it comes to figuring out how to motivate somebody (...) because I want that guy to fight for me, just like I want to fight for him."[75] Fullback Tony Richardson, in an interview, stated Ryan "loves his football team, loves his players" and does as much as he possibly can to ensure their success.[76] Despite his boisterous and brash comments that have caused increased media coverage of the team, Ryan has taken the attention and has managed to "[put] it on himself" so the players can focus on their tasks.[76] Ryan has also stressed that the teaching process is an important one, particularly when it comes to providing a player information and building chemistry. However, there has to be flexibility as the process must also be insightful and positive.[77] Coaches, Ryan states, are responsible for providing players with information that is vitally important otherwise "if you emphasize everything, you've emphasized nothing."[77]

Coaching strategy[]

With extensive knowledge regarding the intricacies of the defense, Ryan has been criticized for not devoting similar time and effort into coaching the offense.[78] Ryan refuted this, stating his goal is to implement a proficient running game, citing a desire to "get after" the opponent through running the ball.[79] Ryan has also stated that passing the ball is important but should not be used incessantly as there should be a balance between both aspects of the offense.[79] In 2009 and 2010, the Jets were ranked first and fourth overall in the league in rushing which coincided with their two playoff appearances.[80] In 2011, the Jets attempted to convert to a more pass-oriented offense, which have become more widely used in the NFL, however, the team struggled with this adjustment and reverted to their former run-oriented offense by the middle of the season.[80] His defensive strategy, in contrast, tends to be more elaborate taking into consideration his experience in the field. There are six different defensive formations utilized in football, but the two commonly used formations are the 3–4 formation, with three defensive lineman and four linebackers, and the 4–3 formation, with four defensive lineman and three linebackers.[1] The Jets officially utilize the former of the two popular formations; however, Ryan tends to employ all six formations in varying forms.[1] Furthermore, he often calls audibles that have the defense line up in one formation and switch to another so as to cloak their intentions and confuse and pressure the opponent.[1]

As a testament to this philosophy, Ryan is often willing to defer the coin toss to the opponent so his team can begin the game playing on defense in order to "set the tone" and generate turnovers.[81][82] This concept has been criticized by ESPN's John Clayton, who has found the method to be ineffective league-wide.[82] Mark Kriegel, an analyst for the NFL Network, found that between 2005 and 2012, during his tenure with both the Ravens and Jets, Ryan's defenses have never been ranked lower than sixth overall in the NFL and have allowed an average of 281 yards per game from scrimmage, second to Dick LeBeau's 277.4 yards per game. LeBeau is generally regarded as one of the best defensive coordinators in the history of the NFL.[83][84]

Personal life[]

Ryan and his wife, Michelle, were married in 1987.[85] Together, they have two sons, Payton and Seth.[85] Ryan earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master's degree in physical education from Eastern Kentucky University.[12] He currently resides in Summit, New Jersey.[86]

Health[]

Ryan publicly announced in 2009 that he had been battling dyslexia for his entire life. During his early years, Ryan struggled to read and write in school; however, he was not formally diagnosed until testing confirmed he had the disorder in 2007.[87] Ryan utilizes color-coded playbooks and game plans when coaching on the sidelines to aid his comprehension.[87]

Ryan underwent lap-band surgery at NYU Medical Center in March 2010 in an effort to battle his obesity.[88] Ryan also had a hernia repaired during the procedure.[88] He was able to return to his home that same day to recover.[88] Following a three-week period he had lost 40 pounds[89] and as of July 2012, Ryan had lost 106 pounds.[90]

Car accident[]

On January 14, 2013, Ryan was involved in a three-car accident in eastern Pennsylvania. Ryan was issued a warning, but no citation following the accident that took place about 45 minutes from the team facility. Witnesses say that Ryan ran his Ford Mustang through a red light and hit one car and that caused that car to hit a second car.[91]

Media[]

Ryan released "Play Like You Mean It", an autobiography and a conversational about football strategy.[92][93] The book, which was published by Doubleday in the spring of 2011, was co-written by Don Yaeger, a former Sports Illustrated editor who has co-authored the autobiographies of former NFL players Walter Payton and Warren Moon.[93]

Ryan made a cameo appearance in the Adam Sandler film That's My Boy, which was released on June 15, 2012. Ironically, his character was a fan of the Jets' rival, the Patriots.[94]

Head coaching record[]

Team Year Regular season Post-season
Won Lost Ties Win % Finish Won Lost Win % Result
NYJ 2009 9 7 0 .563 2nd in AFC East 2 1 .667 Lost to the Indianapolis Colts in AFC Championship Game
NYJ 2010 11 5 0 .688 2nd in AFC East 2 1 .667 Lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in AFC Championship Game
NYJ 2011 8 8 0 .500 2nd in AFC East – – – –
NYJ 2012 6 10 0 .375 3rd in AFC East – – – –
NYJ Total 34 30 0 .531 4 2 .667
Total 34 30 0 .531 4 2 .667

Coaching tree[]

NFL head coaches under whom Rex Ryan has served:

Coach Team Year(s)
Buddy Ryan Arizona Cardinals 1994–95
Brian Billick Baltimore Ravens 1999–2007
John Harbaugh Baltimore Ravens 2008

References[]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Dawidoff, Nicholas (September 8, 2010). "Rex Ryan: Bringing It Big". The New York Times. Archived from the original on May 17, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5ykszU8XE. Retrieved May 16, 2011.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "NFL Draft Confidential". ESPN. April 6, 2011. Archived from the original on May 17, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5ykt2uxRb. Retrieved May 16, 2011.
  3. ↑ Ryan, Yaeger, p. 34.
  4. ↑ "Oh, Brother, What A Start". Sports Illustrated. September 19, 2011. Archived from the original on July 20, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/69JEZKAKI. Retrieved September 19, 2011.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Win or lose, ties between twins Rob and Rex Ryan are unbreakable". The Dallas Morning News. September 10, 2011. Archived from the original on August 1, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/69axnPCXQ. Retrieved August 1, 2012.
  6. ↑ Ryan, Yaeger, p. 54.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Ryan, Yaeger, pp. 36–37.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Ryan, Yaeger, pp. 40–41.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Ryan, Yaeger, pp. 53–54.
  10. ↑ "Rex Ryan breaks out 'HOF blazer'". ESPN. October 6, 2011. Archived from the original on November 9, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/634gYzMiG. Retrieved November 9, 2011.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Ryan, Yaeger, pp. 56–57.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 12.6 12.7 12.8 "Rex Ryan". New York Jets. Archived from the original on May 7, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5ybupIgxV. Retrieved May 11, 2011.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Ryan, Yaeger, p. 91.
  14. ↑ "Ryan joins Ravens". The Topeka Capital-Journal. February 9, 1999. Archived from the original on May 17, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5ykt7qKnZ. Retrieved May 15, 2011.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Ryan, Yaeger, pp. 58–59.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Ryan, Yaeger, p. 51.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 Ryan, Yaeger, pp. 91–92.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Ryan, Yaeger, p. 100.
  19. ↑ Ginsberg, David (January 18, 2005). "Ravens hire Fassel, Neuheisel; promote Ryan to run defense". USA Today. Archived from the original on May 7, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5ybuHB3az. Retrieved February 16, 2009.
  20. ↑ Ryan, Yaeger, p. 103.
  21. ↑ "Billick, entire Ravens coaching staff dismissed following 5-11 season". ESPN. December 31, 2007. Archived from the original on May 7, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5ybvnC245. Retrieved May 11, 2011.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 "Former Ravens assistant Ryan interviews with Dolphins". USA Today. Associated Press. January 8, 2008. Archived from the original on May 11, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5ybyvguyH. Retrieved May 11, 2011.
  23. ↑ "Harbaugh to be introduced during Saturday news conference". ESPN. January 19, 2008. Archived from the original on May 11, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5ybwTvQV7. Retrieved May 11, 2011.
  24. ↑ Pasquarelli, Len (January 14, 2008). "Ryan emerges as front-runner for Falcons head coach job". ESPN. Archived from the original on May 11, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5ybynGBTY. Retrieved May 11, 2011.
  25. ↑ "Falcons' Smith voted as coach of year". ESPN. January 4, 2009. Archived from the original on June 16, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5zUNZbL8K. Retrieved June 16, 2011.
  26. ↑ Powell, Camille (January 29, 2008). "Ryan Welcomed Back as Ravens' Coordinator". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on May 11, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5ybxPV20l. Retrieved May 11, 2011.
  27. ↑ "Statistics: 2008". National Football League. Archived from the original on July 25, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/69Qd7Tzsm. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  28. ↑ "Polamalu's INT return secures Steelers' Super Bowl berth". ESPN. January 18, 2009. Archived from the original on May 11, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5ybyPYNo6. Retrieved May 11, 2011.
  29. ↑ "Mangini fired after 3 seasons with Jets". ESPN. December 30, 2008. Archived from the original on May 12, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5ydQaMW4l. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
  30. ↑ "Ryan to become Jets coach". ESPN. January 20, 2009. Archived from the original on May 12, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5ydOEOmnk. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 Ryan, Yaeger, pp. 113–114.
  32. ↑ Ryan, Yaeger, pp. 139, 142–143.
  33. ↑ "Jets move 12 spots to get Sanchez". ESPN. April 26, 2009. Archived from the original on June 10, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5zLQP74tw. Retrieved June 10, 2011.
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 "Sanchez throws for 272 yards; Ryan's D stymies Texans". ESPN. September 13, 2009. Archived from the original on June 10, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5zLN4JLP7. Retrieved June 10, 2011.
  35. ↑ "Jets hold down Brady, finally beat Pats at home". ESPN. September 20, 2009. Archived from the original on June 10, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5zLNTKzVP. Retrieved June 10, 2011.
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 "Jets' defense holds firm in end to stop Titans". ESPN. September 27, 2009. Archived from the original on June 10, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5zLNktSss. Retrieved June 10, 2011.
  37. ↑ Ryan, Yaeger pp. 201–206.
  38. ↑ Leahy, Sean (December 21, 2009). "Rex Ryan says Jets are eliminated from playoff race ... but they're not". USA Today. Archived from the original on July 25, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/69QcWEowq. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 "Caldwell defends decision to sit starters". ESPN. December 28, 2009. Archived from the original on June 10, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5zLOLEvOA. Retrieved June 10, 2011.
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 "Rookie Sanchez efficiently leads Jets to first playoff berth in three seasons". ESPN. January 3, 2010. Archived from the original on June 10, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5zLOewpKb. Retrieved June 10, 2011.
  41. ↑ "Statistics: 2009". National Football League. Archived from the original on July 25, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/69QdPqwjj. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  42. ↑ Walker, James (January 9, 2010). "Rapid Reaction: Jets 24, Bengals 14". ESPN. Archived from the original on June 10, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5zLPAfnxl. Retrieved June 10, 2011.
  43. ↑ Pearce, Casey (January 17, 2010). "Uncharacteristic play dooms Chargers". San Diego Chargers. Archived from the original on June 10, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5zLPNiAeO. Retrieved June 10, 2011.
  44. ↑ Mehta, Manish (January 24, 2010). "Jets' vaunted pass defense falls apart in 30–17 loss to Colts in AFC Championship Game". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on June 10, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5zLPiJobP. Retrieved June 10, 2011.
  45. ↑ Hutchinson, Dave (February 4, 2010). "NY Jets coach Rex Ryan was spit on, cursed at before making obscene gesture to fan". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on August 1, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/69b3xWFj1. Retrieved August 1, 2012.
  46. ↑ 46.0 46.1 Graham, Tim (February 1, 2010). "Jets' Ryan calls incident 'stupid'". ESPN. Archived from the original on May 14, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5ygemu0MN. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  47. ↑ Cimini, Rich (February 2, 2010). "New York Jets fine head coach Rex Ryan $50,000 for giving middle finger to Dolphins fans in Florida". Daily News (New York). Archived from the original on May 14, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5ygezNGO4. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  48. ↑ "Jets sign coach Ryan, GM Tannenbaum to contract extensions". National Football League. July 30, 2010. Archived from the original on May 12, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5ydYVtoH8. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
  49. ↑ 49.0 49.1 "Rex Ryan Revue always full of surprises". ESPN. December 1, 2010. Archived from the original on May 12, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5ydYsPEhf. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
  50. ↑ "Jets' Ryan puts Super Bowl guarantee in writing". National Football League. August 6, 2010. Archived from the original on August 7, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/69kIzeyTE. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
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  56. ↑ "New York forces six turnovers in win over Buffalo". ESPN. January 6, 2011. Archived from the original on May 12, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5ydc0WUzT. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
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  58. ↑ O'Connor, Ian (January 17, 2011). "Mark Sanchez, best QB on the field". ESPN. Archived from the original on May 14, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5ygd5uDKh. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  59. ↑ "Steelers headed to Super Bowl after Jets come up short". ESPN. January 23, 2011. Archived from the original on May 14, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5ygedFRgj. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
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  61. ↑ 61.0 61.1 61.2 Schefter, Adam; Sal Paolantonio, Rich Cimini, Walter Villa and The Associated Press (January 2, 2012). "Santonio Holmes: Benching coach's call". ESPN New York. Archived from the original on March 9, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/662jqMfhp. Retrieved March 9, 2012.
  62. ↑ Vrentas, Jenny (July 21, 2012). "New-look Jets coach Rex Ryan aims to reconnect with his team". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on July 23, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/69Nb2PEeY. Retrieved July 23, 2012.
  63. ↑ Cimini, Rich (January 3, 2012). "Rex Ryan: No more captains for Jets". ESPN New York. Archived from the original on June 1, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/686i597MW. Retrieved June 1, 2012.
  64. ↑ Cimini, Rich (January 20, 2012). "Rex Ryan to tone down talk". ESPN New York. Archived from the original on July 23, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/69NZOaKW2. Retrieved July 23, 2012.
  65. ↑ Mehta, Manish (22 November 2012). "Rex Ryan, NY Jets take beating on Thanksgiving by New England Patriots as fans chant for Tim Tebow to replace Mark Sanchez". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on 24 November 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/6CQQUeaiR. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
  66. ↑ Cimini, Rich (2 October 2012). "Rex Ryan supports Mark Sanchez". ESPN New York. Archived from the original on 24 November 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/6CQRPPCiB. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
  67. ↑ Cimini, Rich (23 November 2012). "Rex ranks as Gang's biggest turkey". ESPN New York. Archived from the original on 24 November 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/6CQRb8rCB. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
  68. ↑ Waszak Jr., Dennis (3 December 2012). "McElroy Replaces Sanchez, Leads Jets to 7-6 Win". ABC News. Archived from the original on 3 December 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/6CdfHkrqZ. Retrieved 3 December 2012.
  69. ↑ Orr, Conor (5 December 2012). "Mark Sanchez will start for Jets on Sunday, Rex Ryan says". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on 9 December 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/6Cmrleamx. Retrieved 9 December 2012.
  70. ↑ Politi, Steve (18 December 2012). "Politi: Jets must finally replace Mark Sanchez at quarterback". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on 18 December 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/6D0OqWtur. Retrieved 18 December 2012.
  71. ↑ Vorkunov, Mike (18 December 2012). "Greg McElroy named Jets starting quarterback". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on 18 December 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/6D0qLl4gt. Retrieved 18 December 2012.
  72. ↑ Vorkunov, Mike (27 December 2012). "Mark Sanchez to start for Jets against Bills, with Greg McElroy suffering from concussion symptoms". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on 27 December 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/6DEHTSYp3. Retrieved 27 December 2012.
  73. ↑ Orr, Conor (30 December 2012). "Jets fall to Bills 28-9 in season finale, prepare for uncertain offseason". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on 2 January 2013. http://www.webcitation.org/6DNKiJdnl. Retrieved 31 December 2012.
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  75. ↑ Ryan, Yaeger, p. 127.
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  78. ↑ Hutchinson, Dave (November 23, 2009). "NY Jets coach Rex Ryan to become more involved in the offense". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on August 2, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/69d8NG9Pz. Retrieved August 2, 2012.
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  84. ↑ Kriegel, Mark (January 15, 2009). "The puppet master: LeBeau's X's and O's fuel Steelers' run". USA Today. Archived from the original on August 2, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/69d9JRGo6. Retrieved August 2, 2012.
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  94. ↑ Armstrong, Kevin (June 11, 2012). "Jets' Rex Ryan happy with role in 'That's My Boy'". Daily News (New York). Archived from the original on July 23, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/69NdeCl5G. Retrieved July 23, 2012.

Bibliography[]

  • Ryan, Rex; Don Yaeger (2011). Play Like You Mean It: Passion, Laughs, and Leadership In the World's Most Beautiful Game. New York, New York: Doubleday. ISBN 978-0-385-53444-4.

External links[]

Sporting positions
Preceded by
Mike Nolan 		Baltimore Ravens Defensive Coordinator
2005–2008 		Succeeded by
Greg Mattison
v · d · eHead coaches of the National Football League by team
American Football Conference
AFC East

Chan Gailey (Buffalo Bills)
Tony Sparano (Miami Dolphins)
Bill Belichick (New England Patriots)
Rex Ryan (New York Jets)

AFC North

John Harbaugh (Baltimore Ravens)
Marvin Lewis (Cincinnati Bengals)
Pat Shurmur (Cleveland Browns)
Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh Steelers)

AFC South

Gary Kubiak (Houston Texans)
Jim Caldwell (Indianapolis Colts)
Jack Del Rio (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Mike Munchak (Tennessee Titans)

AFC West

John Fox (Denver Broncos)
Todd Haley (Kansas City Chiefs)
Hue Jackson (Oakland Raiders)
Norv Turner (San Diego Chargers)

National Football Conference
NFC East

Jason Garrett (Dallas Cowboys)
Tom Coughlin (New York Giants)
Andy Reid (Philadelphia Eagles)
Mike Shanahan (Washington Redskins)

NFC North

Lovie Smith (Chicago Bears)
Jim Schwartz (Detroit Lions)
Mike McCarthy (Green Bay Packers)
Leslie Frazier (Minnesota Vikings)

NFC South

Mike Smith (Atlanta Falcons)
Ron Rivera (Carolina Panthers)
Sean Payton (New Orleans Saints)
Raheem Morris (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

NFC West

Ken Whisenhunt (Arizona Cardinals)
Steve Spagnuolo (St. Louis Rams)
Jim Harbaugh (San Francisco 49ers)
Pete Carroll (Seattle Seahawks)

v · d · eBaltimore Ravens Super Bowl XXXV Champions

3 Matt Stover | 5 Kyle Richardson | 7 Chris Redman | 8 Trent Dilfer | 11 Marcus Nash | 12 Tony Banks | 20 Kim Herring | 21 Chris McAlister | 22 Duane Starks | 25 Clarence Love | 26 Rod Woodson | 29 Chuck Evans | 30 Obafemi Ayanbadejo | 31 Jamal Lewis | 32 Sam Gash | 33 Priest Holmes | 35 Robert Bailey | 38 James Trapp | 42 Anthony Mitchell | 43 Anthony Poindexter | 45 Corey Harris | 50 Brad Jackson | 51 Cornell Brown | 52 Ray Lewis (MVP) | 55 Jamie Sharper | 56 Anthony Davis | 57 O. J. Brigance | 58 Peter Boulware | 60 Jeff Mitchell | 62 Mike Flynn | 64 Edwin Mulitalo | 66 John Hudson | 70 Harry Swayne | 71 Spencer Folau | 72 Sammy Williams | 74 Orlando Bobo | 75 Jonathan Ogden | 77 Kipp Vickers | 79 Larry Webster | 80 Brandon Stokley | 81 Ben Coates | 82 Shannon Sharpe | 83 Patrick Johnson | 84 Jermaine Lewis | 85 John Jones | 86 Billy Davis | 87 Qadry Ismail | 89 Travis Taylor  | 90 Rob Burnett | 91 Lional Dalton | 93 Keith Washington | 95 Sam Adams | 96 Adalius Thomas | 98 Tony Siragusa | 99 Michael McCrary
Head Coach: Brian Billick Coaches: Matt Cavanaugh | Jim Colletto | Jack Del Rio | Wade Harman | Donnie Henderson | Milt Jackson | Marvin Lewis | Russ Purnell | Rex Ryan | Steve Shafer | Matt Simon | Mike Smith | Bennie Thompson | Paul McCord

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