New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan will not be returning to the NFL team in 2015 after one of the most disappointing seasons in the franchise's history.
This morning Woody Johnson informed John Idzik and Rex Ryan that they will not be returning to the team in 2015.— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 29, 2014
Ryan was 46-50 in six seasons — not including 4-2 in the postseason — but remained popular with his players, and they dumped a bucket of sports drink on him when the final game of the season ended on Sunday evening.
"We love coach Ryan," Geno Smith said after the Jets beat the Miami Dolphins 37-24. "I'd love to play for him my entire career."
Ryan continually tried to deflect postgame questions about his future, saying Chairman and CEO Woody Johnson will talk to him "at the appropriate time." They met briefly after the game.
"I said, 'Hey, boss, I'm going to give the whole team a game ball. Sorry.' And that's exactly what we did. He's good with it," Ryan said.
But Johnson opted to clean house completely. He also fired general manager John Idzik. Johnson released a statement on Monday morning confirming the departures:
After extensive thought and reflection about the current state of our football team, this morning I informed Rex Ryan and John Idzik that they will not be returning for the 2015 season. Both Rex and John made significant contributions to the team, and they have my appreciation and gratitude for their efforts and commitment. Over the years, Rex brought the Jets a bold confidence and a couple of great post-season runs, which all of us will remember.
I am beginning our search for new football leadership, effective immediately, with guidance and support from respected football experts, including Charley Casserly and Ron Wolf, two Super Bowl winners with decades of valuable experience.
We will consider all options to improve the Jets.