Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan in the second quarter at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Black Monday has arrived in the NFL. Here is the current listing of all the head coaching transactions in the league. Black Monday is the time when the head coaches and general managers are usually given the ax for their poor performances on the season.
Here is the latest movement around the league at the moment.
New York Jets: GM John Idzik and Head Coach Rex Ryan have been fired, per New York Jets
The New York Jets finished the season at 4-12, at the bottom of the AFC East and it was time for a house cleaning. Both Head Coach Rex Ryan and GM John Idzik were let go.
"“After extensive thought and reflection about the current state of our football team, this morning I informed Rex Ryan and John Idzik that they will not be returning for the 2015 season,” Jets CEO Woody Johnson said in a statement. “Both Rex and John made significant contributions to the team, and they have my appreciation and gratitude for their efforts and commitment. “Over the years, Rex brought the Jets a bold confidence and a couple of great post-season runs, which all of us will remember.” “I am beginning our search for new football leadership, effective immediately, with guidance and support from respected football experts, including Charley Casserly and Ron Wolf, two Super Bowl winners with decades of valuable experience.” “We will consider all options to improve the Jets.” – USA Today"
GM John Idzik had attempted to bring in multiple weapons on offense to help this team succeed in the offseason. He brought in Chris Johnson and Eric Decker during free agency and also added Percy Harvin to the roster in the middle of the season. The team still sputtered on offense. The team also brought in Mike Vick to compete at the quarterback spot.
Ryan’s specialty has always been on the defensive side of the ball. He kept the team ranked 6th in the league in total defense yards, but the Jets had trouble keeping the opposing teams off of the scoreboard though. They ranked in at 24 in points given up per game (25.1 pts/gm). The whole season was a struggle.
Rex Ryan does not want to become a defensive coordinator next season. The broadcasters from Sunday’s game (Andrew Catalon and Steve Buerlein) talked to Ryan about his future and here is what they said:
"“Rex Ryan, fired up on the Jets sideline, told us last night that he’s not worried about his future. He was very confident that things will work out. He said he will not be a defensive coordinator next year. It’s a head coach or nothing. He’s not coaching someone else’s defense, he told us.” nj.com"
Ryan could be an option with Oakland, Chicago or Atlanta. Atlanta might be the best bet for him since it is a team with an established quarterback. The head coach should have plenty of interest as a head coach. If he doesn’t stick to a team this year, he could be on your television screen very soon. His personality is too big to keep off of the air .
Next: Jim Harbaugh