Content available exclusively for subscribers
Madison, New Jersey – Rex Ryan certainly sounded like a man who knows he’s gone during his presser today. But if that is the case, can he get another head coaching job. Yes, if he learns from his mistakes.
“Rex was in a reminiscing mood today,” wrote beat-writer J.P. Pelzman. “Wouldn’t admit it, of course, but he sounded like a guy who knows it’s over.”
It’s over here, but perhaps he could land another head coaching job quickly. He’s obviously a top defensive-mind and players play hard for him. If you are looking for a head coach who can turn your defensive around who players play hard for, he could be a good fit somewhere.
You could make a strong argument Rex Ryan would make the perfect coach for the Atlanta Falcons, if they fire Mike Smith.
They have the 32nd-ranked defense, so he could come in and fix it. And they played the 3-4 this year. Over the last year, they have been adding players who fit this configuration, which he likes.
They have a franchise QB, something Rex has never had.
And Atlanta is a tough sports town to sell tickets. Rex can sell tickets. I now some people question whether a pro coach can sell tickets. But
in that fickle sports town, a showman like Ryan can. But don’t get more wrong, that is way down on the list of priorities.
But I’m telling you Rex, if you want to take the next step as a head coach, you have to tweak your approach.
I think he can be successful, but he has to change things up a little.
I’ve said this in writers in the press room over and over, and it’s how I feel – “Rex Ryan with a good QB, a top-shelf GM and big-time coaching staff can be a successful head coach.”
I know that is a lot of caveats, but perhaps Atlanta could present that.
However, Rex needs to change-up his staff.
Remember that Josh Thomas story from last week. The cornerback said he wasn’t coached when he was with the Jets.
Ryan said today about Marcus Williams, “For some reason, he got coached but Josh Thomas didn’t.”
Ryan was firing a shot at Thomas.
Look, I’m not Thomas’ public defender. There is reason he’s on his fifth team in four years. He’s an average cornerback.
But he has no reason to be bitter now. He’s with the Lions. He’s going to get a playoff check or two.
I refuse to be dismissive of his comments.
Rex has a blind-spot when it comes to his guys, his staff.
And if he doesn’t remove this blind spot, he might not be successful, if he gets another chance.
He needs to hire the best staff humanly possible, and forget about cronyism.
On game day, on the sideline, Rex has a man standing to his left, and a man standing to his right, assisting him, who are old friends. Are these good bench coaches? I’m not so sure.
Remember, he used to have guys like Bob Sutton, Mike Westhoff and Brian van Gorder at his side.
Don’t get me wrong, the Jets have some good assistant coaches, but overall, this isn’t one of the better staffs in the league.
And this is hurting Rex.
But I’m not sure he sees it.
Look at all the blown timeouts, blown assignments 12 men on the field, penalties and so forth.
If Rex gets another job, he should go out and hire an all-star staff. Who wouldn’t want to work for Rex? What a great boss. What a great working environment.
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat.” – George Santayana.
December 26, 2014
Premium will return by 11:30 pm on Sunday.