Rex Ryan Hopes to Kick Vrabel's Ass as Jets HC Despite Rumors He's 'Completely Out'

Rex Ryan is reportedly no longer a candidate for the New York Jets' head coaching job, but he's still hopeful that he'll have a chance to face off against New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel in the AFC East.

"Hopefully I get to kick this guy's ass twice a year," Ryan said on Sunday's NFL Countdown (2:52 mark).

SNY's Connor Hughes revealed that the ESPN analyst and former Jets coach is "completely out" of the race to fill the current vacancy.

Meanwhile, the Patriots hired Vrabel on Sunday.

Ryan has expressed confidence about landing the job in the past, telling ESPN's Rick DiPietro and Dave Rothenberg that he was "the best guy and it isn't close" on Jan. 6.

The next day, the Jets interviewed the 62-year-old for the role.

Ryan spent the first six years of his head coaching career in New York, helping lead the team to consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances in 2009 and 2010. He wasn't able to maintain that same level of success through the rest of his tenure and the Jets parted ways with him following a 4-12 record in 2014.

He spent the next two years as head coach of the Buffalo Bills but was fired before the end of the 2016 season, compiling a 15-16 record in Buffalo.

New York utilized The 33rd Team during the hiring process, which was led by former Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum and former Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. Tannenbaum was part of the front office regime when Ryan was with the Jets, which might have contributed to his optimism regarding the vacancy.

ESPN's Rich Cimini reported Sunday that some see Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn as "the best fit" for the role.

Ryan may be interested in renewing his old rivalry with the Jets' AFC East foe, but it appears unlikely that New York will ultimately hire him.