The New York Jets head coaching search is kicking into high gear with news that two high-profile candidates are set to interview for the job – former Jets head coach Rex Ryan and veteran coach Ron Rivera. As the Jets look to turn the page on a tumultuous season marked by the firing of head coach Robert Saleh, all eyes are on who will take the reins and lead this storied franchise into a new era.
Rex Ryan Reunion on the Horizon?
Rex Ryan, who previously served as the Jets head coach from 2009-2014, is expected to interview for the team’s current vacancy according to his comments on ESPN New York radio. Ryan led the Jets to back-to-back AFC Championship games in his first two seasons before the team fell on hard times. Known for his boisterous personality and aggressive defensive schemes, a Ryan return would certainly energize a fanbase desperate for a spark.
We’ll see what happens once the season’s over.
– Rex Ryan on potentially interviewing for the Jets job
Could Ron Rivera Bring a Winning Pedigree?
The Jets are also expected to interview Ron Rivera for the head coach position. Rivera most recently served as head coach of the Washington Commanders before being fired after last season. Prior to that, he led the Carolina Panthers for nine years, taking them to a Super Bowl in 2015. Known as a disciplinarian who instills a hard-nosed culture, Rivera could be the steadying presence the Jets need.
- Rex Ryan Jets Coaching Record (2009-2014): 46-50
- Ron Rivera Career Head Coaching Record: 102-103-2
Jets Cleaning House After Disastrous Season
The Jets are in the market for a new head coach and general manager after firing Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas during a massively disappointing 2024 season. After generating buzz with the addition of Aaron Rodgers, the Jets stumbled to a 4-16 record amid injuries and poor play. Jets ownership is now tasked with finding the right leadership to get this talented but underperforming roster back on track.
| Notable Jets Head Coaches | Tenure | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Weeb Ewbank | 1963-1973 | 71-77-6 |
| Bill Parcells | 1997-1999 | 29-19 |
| Herman Edwards | 2001-2005 | 39-41 |
| Rex Ryan | 2009-2014 | 46-50 |
Jets Casting Wide Net in Coaching Search
While Ryan and Rivera are the biggest names connected to the Jets job so far, expect the team to cast a wide net in their search. Rising coordinators and other former head coaches will surely be on the radar as the Jets aim to find the perfect fit. With a solid core of young talent, the right coach could help the Jets take flight sooner than later.
As the Jets embark on this critical coaching search, fans are eager to see if a splash hire can return this franchise to glory. Will a familiar face like Rex Ryan get another shot? Could a respected leader like Ron Rivera steady the ship? Stay tuned as the Jets coaching carousel starts to spin.
