Throughout this lost season, New York Jets players have continually supported head coach Rex Ryan and discussed at length how much they enjoy playing for him. Unfortunately for them, Ryan is likely to be fired at season's end but it appears as if one key voice is singing another tune.
Quarterback Geno Smith doesn't appear opposed to a new coach.
"A change could be good for us all, so if it happens, when it happens then we will see," the second-year QB said Monday via the New York Daily News.
That can't be a welcomed statement from Ryan, who has vehemently supported the struggling passer several times throughout his rocky career thus far. Smith's comments also point to Ryan's firing, of which no would be surprised at this point. The Jets have not made the playoffs in four consecutive years.
Smith is probably more open to a coaching change since he experienced one while at West Virginia. Dan Holgorsen replaced Bill Stewart in 2011.
"I think the toughest part about it is not being able to continue to play for the same coach the same guy that you learned to love, you invest so much in, and you believe (in) them," Smith said. "To reset and readjust is a tough thing to do, but we are professionals and we have to do it."
Ryan declined to get into a verbal staring contest, responding to Smith's comments with a simple, "I'm not worried about a coaching change or whatever," when asked Monday.
Smith's openness to a coaching change is not shared by most players. Offensive lineman D'Brickasahw Ferguson, who hardly ever gives insight into what he's thinking, went out of his way to praise Ryan.
"We definitely love Rex. We'd love to have him another year. That feeling is felt throughout the whole locker room," Ferguson said. "If we were to just kind of clear everything out, that has its own issues with it. Who knows what that would bring?"
The Jets will close out the regular season against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
