The New York Jets are widely expected to fire HC Rex Ryan following the season, which should come as no surprise given the current state of the team and how poorly things have gone in 2014.
However, Ryan could end up being one of the few coaches to land another opportunity shortly after being let go.
According to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, the Atlanta Falcons are a team to watch in regards to Ryan.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank reportedly wants to “ignite a frustrated fan base and change the culture of his team.”
Sources have told Mehta that Blank came away with a favorable impression of Ryan after he interviewed the former Ravens defensive coordinator for the head coaching vacancy back in 2008.
Mehta spoke to multiple sources who told him that Ryan had the inside track for the Falcons’ job, but that was before they hired GM Thomas Dimitroff.
Ultimately, the Falcons elected to bring in Mike Smith as their next head coach who, despite his success, could also be on the hot seat, even if they manage to win the NFC South and get a home playoff game.
“Arthur wants a tougher team,” a source familiar with Blank’s thinking told Mehta. “He wants guys that have an edge to them.”
Dimitroff has had a good deal of success with the Falcons too, but their next head coach is expected to be hired by Blank.
“I believe Arthur will hire the next coach, not Thomas,” Mehta’s source said. “That’s if he even keeps Thomas.”
People around the league seem to believe that the majority of the Jets’ issues stem from GM John Idzik’s personnel decisions, which is great news for Ryan.
While there should be plenty of opportunities available to Ryan, Mehta mentions that he will pass on offers to be a team’s defensive coordinator and instead take a job in television.
One other option for Ryan could be the Miami Dolphins, according to Mehta. Sources have told him that Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has an “affinity for Ryan.”
The availability of the Dolphins’ job could come down to them making the playoffs and whether or not Jim Harbaugh is interested in taking the position.
Black Monday in the NFL is December 29, so we’ll have more regarding Rex Ryan’s future as the news is available.
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