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New York Jets: Ranking every coach in franchise history

By Michael Pallas

28 Jul 1998: General view of the new helmets for the New York Jets during the 1998 New York Jets Training Camp at the Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. Mandatory Credit: Todd Warshaw /Allsport
28 Jul 1998: General view of the new helmets for the New York Jets during the 1998 New York Jets Training Camp at the Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. Mandatory Credit: Todd Warshaw /Allsport /
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ANAHEIM, CA – DECEMBER 17: Head coach Joe Walton and wide receiver Chris Burkett #87 of the New York Jets talk on the sideline during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium on December 17, 1989 in Anaheim, California. The Rams won 38-14 (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA – DECEMBER 17: Head coach Joe Walton and wide receiver Chris Burkett #87 of the New York Jets talk on the sideline during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium on December 17, 1989 in Anaheim, California. The Rams won 38-14 (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) /

6. Joe Walton (1983-89), 53-57-1 record

When he was the offensive coordinator of the Jets, Walton’s offense was among the best in the NFL. They were in the top-ten in almost every major statistical category on the offensive side of the ball. However, just like Coslet, it didn’t translate when he became the head coach of the team in 1983.

With a few exceptions, they were near the middle of the pack offensively despite being an offensive-minded coach. That being said, he’s one of five Jets coaches to make the playoffs twice during his run as head coach, and that’s huge for this list. He also has a playoff win under his belt, and only six coaches in franchise history have done that.

His 111 games coached is also second-most in the history of the franchise, which is saying something, given the propensity of the franchise to let coaches go too soon.

5. Herm Edwards (2001-05), 39-41 record

“You play to win the game! You don’t play to just play it!” That was the mantra of Herman Edwards when he was the coach of the Jets, and his teams proved him right in his Jets tenure.

The reason Edwards is No. 5 on this list is two-fold. He’s one of only three coaches in franchise history with a division title on his résumé, and he also hold the franchise record for playoff appearances.

However, he’s only No. 5 on this list, because he’s also the franchise record holder for another category. You may play to win, but Edwards’ teams fell short in the playoffs all three times, making him the franchise record holder for playoff losses. His two playoff wins, though are tied for second all time, and that counts for something.

4. Rex Ryan (2009-14), 46-50 record

The Rex Ryan experience is one fans will never forget. It was a roller coaster of emotions, but this roller coaster ride was different. This ride went really fast to the top at the beginning, then stopped before getting to the top. Then after stopping, a crane took the roller coaster car to the other side for the screaming drop.

Ryan would start his coaching career at 9-7 and 11-5 in 2009 and 2010 respectively. In 2010, they even beat the vaunted New England Patriots on the road to get to the AFC Championship Game. Unfortunately for the Jets, their season would end in the AFC Championship Game in both years.

The next four years would be a steep dive leading to screaming and Ryan going nuts in the media. It was a bad combination of bad coaching and poor team building that led to the team going 8-8, 6-10, 8-8 and 4-12 in his final four seasons in New York.

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