Jets Name Rex Ryan Head Coach

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Less than 24 hours after the Baltimore Ravens lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship, the N.Y. Jets hired Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan as their new head coach. This went down yesterday and it’s a great situation for coach Ryan. First of all, he doesn’t have to rebuild the program. I mean, the Jets just missed the playoffs after a late season collapse (one that cost previous head coach Eric Mangini his job), but the team certainly has the pieces in place to be a contender in 2009. They made sure of that last offseason with a slew of free agent additions.

That being said, one area that coach Ryan will need to address immediately (or almost immediately) is the quarterback position. We’re all waiting to hear if Brett Favre will return for another season, but I can tell you the Jets had better find themselves a free agent QB if they’re going to have any hope for a successful season. Kellen Clemens might ultimately be the answer in New York (aka “the future”), but the team can’t count on someone so unproven without a backup plan. Of course, if Brett does decide to return it’s a moot point, but it’s an area that needs attention.

Coach Ryan was a great defensive coordinator in Baltimore. There’s no doubt about that. But will he be a great head coach? That’s not a given. It’s an entirely different experience to go from coordinator to head coach. I’m wondering if he will be a good leader and motivator? I believe that he will, but only time will tell.

Source: NewYorkJets.com