Rex Ryan Feels He'll Land Jets HC Job: 'I'm the Best Guy. And It Ain't Close.'

Rex Ryan envisions himself on the New York Jets sideline in 2025.

The former NFL coach and current ESPN analyst spoke with Rick Dipietro and Dave Rothenberg of ESPN about his chances at landing the Jets vacant head coach spot and said he believes the "best guy and it isn't close."

"Oh 100 percent, absolutely I do," Ryan said. "The reason I think I'm going to get it is because I am the best guy and it isn't close. The thing that you have to do it you have to connect with their football team and their fanbase. The way they play, that's the most important thing. Not just the X's and O's"

He also expressed his appreciation for Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who could be a candidate for the job as well, but Ryan believes he is still a "better candidate for this team."

This would be Ryan's second stint with the Jets, as he was the team's head coach from 2009-14. He compiled an overall record of 46-50 with the franchise and led them to two AFC Championships in 2009 and 2010.

He would venture to the Buffalo Bills for 2015 and 2016 and has not served as a head coach since his final season in Buffalo.

The Jets, meanwhile, have not reached the playoffs since Ryan was the team's head coach and have an overall record of 56-108 since his firing. These struggles have come despite some seasons with expectations, including a 2024 season that turned disastrous early.

The Jets went 5-12 in 2024 despite the return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers from his Achilles injury. The team fired head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas during the season and may have many holes to fill this offseason.

Bringing Ryan back could help re-establish the culture of those earlier Jets teams and help put this ugly chapter of franchise history to rest.