ESPN's Rex Ryan Expects to Talk to Jets About HC Contract; Coached NYJ from 2009-2014

ESPN's Rex Ryan revealed on Monday that he expects to talk with the New York Jets regarding the team's head coaching vacancy once the regular season comes to a close.

Ryan previously served as the Jets' head coach from 2009-14, finishing with a 46-50 record. He also held the same role with the Buffalo Bills in 2015 before he was fired prior to the end of the 2016 season.

New York will be searching for a new head coach over the offseason after parting ways with Robert Saleh on Oct. 8.

New York is currently in the midst of the NFL's longest active playoff drought. The Jets' last postseason berth occurred under Ryan during the 2010 season, which marked the second consecutive AFC Championship Game appearance for the team.

The 62-year-old's tenure with the organization started off strong, but he finished with a record of just 18-30 over his final three years in New York.

Mike Tannenbaum, who served as the Jets' general manager from 2006-12, has some familiarity with Ryan. Tannenbaum is now part of The 33rd Team, a group that New York will be using to help with the hiring process.

The Jets are scheduled to meet with former Washington Commanders head Ron Rivera for their open position "this week," according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Connor Hughes of SNY reported on Dec. 20 that "multiple NFL sources" believe former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel is an option that "the Jets covet the most."

New York's future is largely uncertain amid a 4-12 record in 2024, as quarterback Aaron Rodgers has remained noncommittal on his long-term NFL outlook. Veteran wideout Davante Adams also isn't guaranteed to return to the team for the 2025 season, while third-year receiver Garrett Wilson will be eligible for an extension at the end of the year.

As the Jets search for their next head coach, Ryan expects to be an option.