The Jets’ search for a new head coach apparently will end with Ravens’ defensive coordinator Rex Ryan according to the New York Daily News.
It has come down to Ryan, Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and Cards assistant head coach Russ Grimm, sources said.
That the Jets haven’t moved quickly on Spagnuolo or Schottenheimer, neither of whom is involved in the playoffs, is a blatant indication that Ryan is the preferred choice. Like Ryan, Grimm still is in the playoffs, but he’s believed to be a fallback candidate.
Johnson and GM Mike Tannenbaum met with Ryan for several hours Sunday in Baltimore, and Johnson came away impressed, according to a source. Using an interviewing technique he learned from former Ravens coach Brian Billick, Ryan gave a PowerPoint presentation that outlined his philosophy, practice scripts, etc.
The Jets also are smitten with Ryan’s creative defensive game plans, a big factor in the Ravens’ playoff run. One potential stumbling block with Ryan could be his choice for offensive coordinator. The Jets would like to retain Schottenheimer; it’s unclear if Ryan is on board with that.
Ryan deserves the opportunity to be a head coach. His defenses have always been fantastic in Baltimore and he obviously has a knack for designing schemes. Some highly doubted defensive coaches – namely Marvin Lewis – haven’t panned out as head coaches, but Ryan deserves his shot.
Assuming he gets the job, it’ll be interesting to see what he can do with former top 10 pick Vernon Gholston, who was inactive for virtually his entire rookie season because he couldn’t grasp the playbook. One would think that Ryan catch get Gholston (who is a physical marvel) up to speed and get him on the field next year. Maybe he could even turn him into the next Terrell Suggs.
