Always one to provide a memorable comment, Rex Ryan said during an interview with Newsday that he is underappreciated by the media for the coaching job he's done with the New York Jets. "I'm a hell of a lot better football coach than I'm given credit for," Ryan said.
Ryan does have back-to-back AFC Championship appearances to his credit. However, the Jets' 6-10 record from the previous season, a year in which they missed the playoffs for the second consecutive time, turned up the temperature on Ryan's proverbial coaching chair.
Owner Woody Johnson fired most of the Jets staff, while the brash Ryan kept his job. However, with new GM John Idzik and the trade of franchise cornerback Darrelle Revis to Tampa Bay, Ryan faces judgment day with a team that may still be in rebuilding mode.
"I don't need the credit," Ryan said. "But I can tell you one thing: When it's said and done, they'll look back and say, 'Oh, man, this dude can coach his butt off.' And you know what? It's true. And I'll let the people that know best talk on my behalf about the kind of coach I am.
"I don't have to brag, even though statistically, I can brag about anything I've ever done defensively."
During his tenure with the Jets, Ryan's defenses have ranked lower than eight in total defense during each season. In 2009, the Jets earned the No.1 ranking for total defense.
However, his offenses have seen a decrease in production over the past few seasons. The Jets currently have a battle at quarterback between incumbent starter Mark Sanchez, rookie Geno Smith and others.
Ryan also blasted his wide receiving corps for dropping too many passes during the team's offseason workouts, threatening to make cuts if the process continues.
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