New York Jets coach Rex Ryan reportedly has already begun packing up his office in preparation of being fired Monday. With Ryan likely finished in New York and returning to a defensive coordinator position with another team next season, one possible coaching candidate Jets owner Woody Johnson may look at is Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase.
ESPN's Rich Cimini reported Saturday his sources were saying Ryan expects to be fired on Monday, ending his six-year tenure at Florham Park.
"After months of speculation, New York Jets coach Rex Ryan is bracing for his ouster on Monday," Cimini wrote. "Ryan told friends he expects to be fired by owner Woody Johnson, league sources said Saturday. Ryan has already begun removing items from his office, a source confirmed to ESPN.com. ...
"Ryan has remained in good spirits despite the difficult circumstances, saying his only focus is on the final game. But he started cleaning out his office Friday upon hearing that consultant-in-waiting Charley Casserly already has started reaching out to potential head-coaching and general-manager candidates, according to a report by (the New Jersey Star-Ledger)."
Cimini, in addition to the Star-Ledger, also reported Johnson plans to clean house completely - including maligned second-year general manager John Idzik.
Ryan won't be short of suitors if he is fired, but it's unlikely he'll land another head coaching job right away. After missing the playoffs for four straight seasons, Ryan appears headed back to a defensive coordinator position. Although his struggles as a coach in the latter years of his tenure are well documented, most teams purportedly still revere him for his prowess as a defensive guru.
As for the Jets, potential head coach candidates could include Gase, New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and ex-San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Singletary. Gase was a hot name last offseason and reportedly received interest from a number of teams before deciding to return for another season with Denver.
