BREAKING NEWS:Rex Ryan reacts to Patriots about hiring Mike Vrabel…

Rex Ryan, former head coach of the New York Jets, has expressed his desire to return to the team and face off against Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots in the 2025 season. During an appearance on ESPN, Ryan humorously stated, “Hey, man, hopefully, I get to kick this guy’s ass twice a year,” referring to Vrabel and the Patriots, but quickly clarified he was speaking about his team and not himself personally. He then added, “I’m just kidding, Vrabes. I’m just kidding, buddy,” in a lighthearted attempt to maintain friendly banter.

Vrabel’s appointment as head coach of the Patriots came shortly after the team parted ways with Jerod Mayo. The announcement of Vrabel’s new role came just a week after the firing of Mayo. As a former linebacker for New England from 2001 to 2008, Vrabel had already established a strong connection with the Patriots’ legacy. However, his time with the Patriots did not overlap with Ryan’s tenure as head coach of the Jets, which lasted from 2009 to 2014. This time gap means that although Ryan and Vrabel never directly competed as head coach and player, their paths in the NFL have since diverged, especially now that both have significant positions with teams in the AFC East.

Ryan had interviewed for the Jets’ vacant head coaching position, signaling his interest in a return to the team. He has been outspoken about his desire to make a comeback and has emphasized that, should he be reinstated as head coach, he would not let star quarterback Aaron Rodgers enjoy the same kind of “country club” treatment Rodgers had previously experienced. This remark refers to the notion that Rodgers may have been afforded too much leniency and comfort in his past career, and Ryan suggested he would bring a more disciplined and demanding environment to the team.

Despite Ryan’s clear interest, there have been reports that he is no longer in the running for the Jets’ head coaching job. On Sunday, SNY’s Connor Hughes confirmed that Ryan is “completely out” of the coaching race for the Jets. This means Ryan’s hopes of returning to New York for the 2025 season have been dashed for the time being.

Ryan’s tenure with the Jets was marked by both successes and challenges. Serving as head coach from 2009 to 2014, Ryan led the Jets to an overall record of 46-50. Despite finishing with a losing record, his 46 victories still rank as the third-most among Jets head coaches in the franchise’s history. Ryan also made a significant impact in the postseason, with four playoff wins—still the most in the history of the Jets’ franchise. This record includes consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances early in his tenure, cementing his legacy as one of the most successful head coaches the team has had in recent decades.

However, Ryan’s tenure wasn’t without its difficulties. After achieving success in his first few seasons, including those deep playoff runs, the Jets’ performance began to decline in Ryan’s later years. Two of his final three seasons ended with losing records, and the team struggled to maintain the competitive edge it had under Ryan’s leadership earlier on. The lack of consistent success during his final years with the team ultimately led to his dismissal after the 2014 season.

Ryan’s connection to the Jets, however, remains strong, as he has continued to express his fondness for the team and his belief that he could help restore it to prominence. His comments about wanting to face Vrabel and the Patriots highlight his ongoing competitive spirit and his desire to lead a team that could challenge New England, a long-time division rival. Ryan’s playful remarks about facing Vrabel twice a season reflect his well-known brashness and confidence, as he is someone who always relishes a rivalry.

The Jets’ ongoing search for a new head coach has been a topic of considerable attention in the NFL. The franchise has struggled to find stability at the position, with several coaching changes over the past decade. The team is in the midst of an important rebuilding phase, particularly with the addition of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, whose arrival was intended to elevate the team’s performance. The decision on who will guide the Jets in the coming seasons remains critical, as the team aims to turn the page on its tumultuous past and build a competitive future.

Ryan’s exclusion from the coaching race may come as a disappointment to his supporters, but his tenure with the Jets remains a pivotal chapter in the team’s history. His legacy is defined by both his early success in taking the team to the AFC Championship Game and the subsequent struggles that led to his eventual departure. Even if Ryan does not return to the Jets, his desire to compete against the Patriots and Vrabel highlights his continued passion for the game and his belief in his ability to turn around a struggling team.

In the meantime, the New York Jets will continue their search for a new head coach, hoping to find someone who can lead them back to playoff contention. Whether or not Rex Ryan ever gets another shot at the job remains uncertain, but his legacy as one of the more memorable and charismatic figures in the franchise’s history is secure. With the Jets’ future still up in the air, the challenge of facing the Patriots, with Vrabel at the helm, will continue to be a significant point of interest for both Ryan and the Jets’ fanbase.