The New England Patriots announced they officially hired Mike Vrabel to be the next head coach in franchise history. Former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan responded by once again showing how much he wants to return to the AFC East.
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ESPN host Mike Greenberg asked the panel of experts about Vrabel returning to New England during Sunday's playoff preview show. He first turned to Ryan and asked for his reaction to the move, which prompted the memorable response.
"Hey, man, hopefully, I get to kick this guy's ass twice a year," Ryan said. He then started laughing before providing some needed clarification. "Just my team. Not me personally."
Rex Ryan on the Patriots hiring Mike Vrabel: “Hopefully I can kick this guy’s a** twice a year.”
Rex badly wants the #Jets job.pic.twitter.com/AX7UGSqiSl https://t.co/o7CE3nyqn7
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 12, 2025
Ryan, who has been an analyst for ESPN for several seasons, has been vocal about his desire to return to the NFL. Specifically, he has made it well known that he wants another opportunity to coach the New York Jets.
A former defensive coordinator for the Ravens, Ryan took over as head coach of the Jets in 2009. The team delivered early in his tenure with consecutive playoff appearances in 2009-10. The Jets made it to the AFC Championship in both seasons but fell to the Colts and Steelers.
Ryan remained head coach of the Jets through the 2014 season. The team did not return to the playoffs after the AFC Championship loss to the Steelers. Their best season in Ryan's final four years was 8-8 in 2013.
The Jets fired the veteran coach after 2014, but he remained in the division. He moved over to the Bills and spent two seasons as head coach. The Bills went 15-16 with Tyrod Taylor and EJ Manuel as quarterbacks. The team ultimately fired Ryan before the end of the 2016 season.
It's unclear if Ryan will get another opportunity to coach in the AFC East and beat Vrabel, but he has made this desire known to the Jets. He took part in an interview with his former team in early January while joining a sizable list of head coach candidates.
This group also included Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, former Ravens/Commanders head coach Ron Rivera, and Maryland head coach Mike Locksley.
