Rex Ryan may return to the New York Jets in 2014. But the first of his assistants this season is on his way out the door.
The New York Daily News is reporting that linebackers coach Brian VanGorder is leaving to become defensive coordinator at Notre Dame, according to a source.
VanGorder is in his first season with the Jets after serving as defensive coordinator at Auburn in 2012. He was defensive coordinator with the Atlanta Falcons from 2008-11.
Other assistants may also exit New York this season, according to the Daily News. Defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman, special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica, assistant head coach/running backs Anthony Lynn, defensive line coach Karl Dunbar and wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal have expiring contracts, according to a team source.
The report said Kotwica interviewed for Army head coaching job last weekend, but didn't receive an offer.
The Jets could announce as early as today that Ryan will return next season. It is unclear whether Ryan will receive an extension or merely serve out the final year of his contract with the Jets. That may have an influence on which assistant coaches return with Ryan in 2014.
Despite missing the playoffs for a third consecutive season, the Jets were considered to have overachieved in 2013. Behind rookie quarterback Geno Smith, New York has won seven games as it heads into its season finale against the Miami Dolphins in Florida today.
The Daily News reported that 0utside linebacker Calvin Pace, the oldest key member of the team, admitted a coaching change would mean "chaos" for players. An informal Daily News Twitter Poll revealed that 93 percent of Jets fans that participated in the poll (765 out of 825) voted against firing Ryan.
If Ryan doesn't get an extension, more assistants could be looking for more secure situations elsewhere.
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