As a result of the Jets being in the headlines for all the wrong reasons this season and the team failing to make the playoffs for a second consecutive season, the consensus was that Ryan as well as GM Mike Tannebaum would be fired at season’s end. Not many doubted the fact that Ryan was more than likely done in New York, but it appears the team has a soft spot for the head coach and agreed to keep him on.
As for Tannebaum, the Jets decided to part ways with the 43-year-old. The team felt Ryan was a more valuable asset to the team in comparison to the GM that took over for Terry Bradway back in 2006.
With the Jets searching for a new GM, the team has made it clear that whom ever accepts the job must also keep Ryan as the head coach for at least one more season in New York according to Darin Gantt of Pro Football Talk:
During a discussion of the Jets general manager candidates, Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork points out an important caveat in the interview process.
He writes, while discussing in-demand 49ers director of player personnel Tom Gamble, that the “word on the street is that the Jets are telling potential candidates they won’t be considered unless they agree to keep Rex Ryan for a year.”
It remains to be seen if Ryan can ultimately turn things around in New York with one more season at the helm, but it appears he’ll get the chance regardless of the new GM that will take over for Tannebaum.
