Rex Ryan wants Tim Tebow to replace Tom Brady

Nov 11, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan observes pre game warmups by New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow (15) against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Tim Tebow’s former coach, Rex Ryan of the New York Jets, is rooting for Tim Tebow in the next stage of his career. He is actually hoping Tebow gets a chance to replace Tom Brady as quarterback of the New England Patriots.

While at the face of it you have a coach wishing a former player the best as their career moves on to a new chapter. Happens all the time, it’s very cordial. But what we have here is a slight of sorts, a back handed compliment if you will.

“Not really. If they want to replace Brady with him, that’s fine,” Ryan said when asked if he was curious how the Patriots would use Tebow.

The hope for an opposing coach wanting Tim Tebow to start is that they will benefit from his perceived lack of ability. Tim Tebow is criticized regularly for his throwing abilities and mechanics. He obviously doesn’t have the passing statistics of someone like Tom Brady.

And while Bill Belichick was already tired of the Tebow line of questioning, Rex Ryan seemed to have a better attitude towards it.

“I have a funny feeling there’s going to be more questions about former players than there are current players,” Ryan said, via Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.

“It’s not a surprise to me that Tim would be picked up. Obviously, as I’ve said before, (he’s) a tremendous young man. Very competitive. I’m happy for him and look forward to competing against him.”