Jets Officially Announce Rex Ryan as Head Coach

New York Scoops up Baltimore Assistant a Day After AFC Championship

Jan 27, 2009 Derek Clendening

On Wednesday, January 21, 2009, Rex Ryan was introduced as the new head coach of the New York Jets, replacing the fired Eric Mangini. His official job offer arrived just

Jets Officially Announce Rex Ryan as Head Coach

While not a journeyman per se, Rex Ryan has been touted as one of the hotter assistants in the National Football League. Sometimes these hot assistants make for equally hot head coaches, and Ryan’s chance at a top job has been the toast of football chatter for the last few seasons. He interviewed with the Falcons and Dolphins after the 2007, but the jobs were ultimately awarded to Mike Smith and Tony Sparano.

Rex Ryan joins Steve Spagnuolo, recently named head coach of the St. Louis Rams, as one of the hotter assistants to earn a head coaching job in 2009.

Ryan was most recently the defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens.

Baltimore Ravens Defensive Coordinator

Ryan’s tenure with the Baltimore Ravens began in 1999 as a defensive assistant under former head coach Brian Billick. As a defensive assistant, the Ravens reached the Superbowl and defeated Jim Fassel’s New York Giants.

In 2005, Ryan was promoted to defensive coordinator, and has often been credited for the success that the team has attained. Despite a few dismal seasons during his tenure, the Ravens racked up a 13-3 record in 2006, and a playoff bye, before falling to the eventual Superbowl champion Indianapolis Colts. In 2008, the Ravens made the AFC championship game, despite being heavy underdogs with a wildcard seed. Also in 2008, Rex Ryan was promoted to assistant head coach in addition to his defensive coordinator responsibilities thanks to incoming head coach John Harbaugh.

Rex Ryan is known for running a 3-4 defense and belongs to the Bill Walsh coaching tree.

Rex Ryan, Son of Coach Buddy Ryan

Football fans of the 80s and 90s will remember Rex Ryan’s father, coach Buddy Ryan, who had two head coaching stints in the NFL. These positions were served with the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals, respectively.

Similar to the younger Ryan, Buddy Ryan was also considered to be a very hot assistant coach, and is much better known for being the legendary defensive coordinator who helped the Chicago Bears to victory over the Patrios in Superbowl 20.

Ryan's father was also credited with much of the Houston Oilers' 1993 success when he served as their defensive coordinator.

The elder Ryan was known as the inventor of the 46 defensive scheme, but that scheme is not dominant in Rex Ryan’s defense.

Also notable is that Rex Ryan’s twin brother Rob Ryan is the defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns. Coincidentally, Rob Ryan was hired by Eric Mangini, who Rex Ryan will be replacing in New York.

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Rex Ryan on Ravens Sidelines