New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan is all but assuredly on his way out after this season. That's what happens when you go 3-11 and miss the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. Owner Woody Johnson will likely drop the hammer sometime after New York's season finale against the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 28.
Ryan's first choice seems to be another head coaching job, of which there will be plenty. The Oakland Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers and others could all be in the market for a new head coach this offseason. While rumors have circulated that Ryan will be headed to TV, it seems unlikely he could ignore his competitive itch if given the chance.
However, maybe Ryan would be best served by suppressing his ego and setting himself up for better opportunities down the road. The New York Post's Mark Cannizzaro has an interesting suggestion for the boisterous coach.
"I believe, barring Ryan getting another head coaching job right away, the perfect landing spot for him is with the Giants as their defensive coordinator - despite the fact he doesn't want to go that route."
Ryan has reportedly expressed reluctance to returning to a coordinator position after spending 14 seasons as an NFL assistant. But Cannizzaro makes a compelling argument.
"Ryan to the Giants is about as long a shot as his erratic Jets quarterback, Geno Smith, getting Pro Bowl votes," Cannizzaro wrote. "But it makes sense for all parties. With Coughlin nearing the end of his career, going to the Giants could be a short rehabilitative stay for Ryan as a coordinator as he tries to build his reputation back up as a head coach.
"Ryan and Coughlin have a good, respectful relationship. And the fact that Ryan has distanced himself from his former bombastic ways, handling himself with class and restraint in trying times this year, has to score points with conservative Giants ownership."
Despite missing out on the playoffs for the last three seasons, the Giants are still a premiere franchise with lots of resources and name brand recognition. If Ryan could swallow his pride for a year before replacing Coughlin, this could be the perfect long-term situation for him. Rookie Odell Beckham, corner Prince Amukamara and pending free agent defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul are all solid and young building blocks. The pieces are in place for Ryan to rebuild himself, as Cannizzaro puts it.
