Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsTuesday, August 4, 2026

Rex Ryan expects Jets to fire him, per report

The Jets appear to be on the verge of a coaching search, provided you ask Rex Ryan.

Jeff Zelevansky
James Dator
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.

Rex Ryan has been head coach of the New York Jets for five years, and he doesn't expect there will be a sixth.

Ryan told his players in a Saturday night meeting he expects to be fired following the season, and asked them to “fight with him” over the last two weeks -- according to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports. The Jets missed the playoffs for the third straight year in 2013, bringing Ryan’s career record with the team to 39-37.

The team's problems were apparent early in the year when quarterback Mark Sanchez sustained a season-ending shoulder injury. His struggles inside the Jets' offense are well known, but it forced Ryan to play rookie quarterback Geno Smith before his was ready. This resulted in an up-and-down offensive season that was more bad than good, with Smith throwing 21 interceptions in 14 starts.

Defense has been Ryan’s hallmark as a coach, and the Jets remained strong in this area. The ranked 12th in the league in yards allowed 23rd in points allowed -- despite routinely playing on a short field due to the team’s problem with turnovers on offense.

It’s unclear who the team could look to if Ryan is fired, but regardless it looks like it’s going to be a very interesting offseason in the Meadowlands.

More from SB Nation NFL

Swing game: Short passes & speedy players are changing the NFL

NFL mock draft: Can Teddy Bridgewater save the Texans?

PFT Commenter’s Christmas wish list | Uffsides: BOLD Week 16 previews

Death of a football player: Helmet-to-helmet hit killed Derek Sheely

See More: