The New York Jets began their franchise in the AFL in 1960, but who are the three best head coaches in the history of the organization?
The New York Jets have been a star-crossed franchise. Many seasons have come and gone in disappointment except for one shining moment in January 1969 when Broadway Joe Namath led Gang Green to an improbable 16-7 victory over the 18-point favorite Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III in Miami.
That was the team’s moment in the sun. Hopefully, there will be bright moments still to come.
With that being said, it’s time to rank the top three head coaches in team history as we’re in the midst of a long offseason and hoping for more Jets successes on the near horizon.
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3. Rex Ryan
Ah Rex. The son of former Eagles head coach Buddy Ryan, Rex was outspoken, feisty and full of bluster. Jets fans loved it. Ryan guided the squad from 2009-14 and made an instant impact by leading Gang Green to AFC Championship Games his first two seasons (vs. Indianapolis, Pittsburgh). Those were the days of a young signal-caller named Mark Sanchez.
Alas, the Jets could not advance to their second Super Bowl but Ryan did post a 4-2 playoff record while with New York. The Ardmore, OK native concluded his Jets career below .500 at 46-50, but he makes this list for leading the green and white to consecutive conference championships tilts — the only coach to do it. Jets fans loved his confidence and he is missed these days.
2. Bill Parcells
The “Tuna” coached just three seasons with the green and white (1997-99) but he led them to a 29-19 mark (.604) and the AFC Championship Game against Denver in January 1999. The Jets owned a 10-0 halftime lead in that contest in the Mile High City but six turnovers eventually led to their demise, 23-10.
In my opinion, that 1998 contingent was the second best team in franchise history. The Jets went 12-4, captured the AFC East title and set a team record for victories in the regular season. They also became the second team in NFL history to win seven games against teams that would eventually make the playoffs. Parcells is also in the Hall of Fame and even with two Super Bowl championships to his credit with the Giants, this was one of his best coaching seasons ever.
1. Weeb Ewbank
The grand old man of the Jets coached the most seasons in Jets history (11) and delivered Gang Green their only Super Bowl title following a stellar 11-3 campaign in 1968. The Oxford, OH native won the most games in club history (71) and was the head mentor for two of the premier squads in franchise history (1968, 1969) when the Jets fashioned a combined 21-7 ledger.
Ewbank retired after the 1973 season with 130 career victories (including 59 with Baltimore and two NFL championships). He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame but he’ll always be remembered for guiding Gang Green to their only Super Bowl crown in their lone Super Bowl appearance.