Coach Ryan, You Had Me at "Hello"

If I wasn't fully convinced before that former Ravens defensive coordinator, Rex Ryan, was the right man for the job, I am completely on board now.

After watching Ryan's 10 a.m. introductory news conference this morning, I am extremely excited about the Jets' offseason and upcoming 2009-10 season.

In fact, "giddy" or "ecstatic" might be more appropriate terms to describe my emotions right now. Coach Ryan, had me at "hello."

Ryan is the complete opposite of former coach, Eric Mangini, and that fact was on full display today. We got more information and insight in one Rex Ryan press conference than we ever did in the three seasons that Coach Mangini was the head coach of the Jets.

He was very confident, both in himself and everyone else he will be working with and he showed the straightforward attitude his players love about him. It is easy to see why he is considered a player's coach.

Ryan sounded excited about the opportunity to be the head coach of the Jets. He talked glowingly about the talent that was already in place and he expressed his eagerness to be able to coach these players, the defense in particular.

He called Pro Bowl cornerback, Darelle Revis, the best corner in football. He compared Kerry Rhodes to his former star safety, Ed Reed.

But perhaps most importantly, Ryan basically laid out a challenge to Vernon Gholston to live up to his talent. He compared him to Terrell Suggs and he was convinced he can turn Gholston into the same type of player.

I cannot wait to see what he does with this defense and the rest of the team.

The one thing Ryan said which really fired me up was "We want to be known as the most physical football team in the NFL. You take a swipe at one of our guys, we'll take a swipe at two of yours."

I jumped out of my couch when I heard that, wishing that the season would start soon. It is that kind of attitude which will quickly endear himself to Jets fans.

Coach Ryan addressed the Brett Favre situation about as politically as he could which didn't surprise me at all. He also expressed an interest in talking to offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer about remaining on the staff.

Ryan also praised special teams coach Mike Westhoff and offensive line coach Bill Callahan which led me to believe they will remain on the staff, if they accept. He also confirmed that Mike Pettine will become the new defensive coordinator.

Suffice to say, I was extremely impressed with Coach Ryan on his first day on the job. I can't wait to see what they do in the offseason.

I know its a little too premature to say, but I love this guy already!

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