Rex Ryan agrees to four-year deal with Jets

Rex Ryan agrees to four-year deal with Jets
January 20
New York Daily News
"As expected, the Jets agreed to terms Monday on a four-year contract with former Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan. The Jets confirmed the deal on Monday evening.

Ryan likely will land a deal in the $11 million to $12 million range, based on the contract former Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo signed Saturday with the Rams. Spagnuolo received $11.5 million over four years.

Ryan will be formally introduced Wednesday at a news conference. His agreement was in place late Sunday night, not long after the Ravens' loss to the Steelers in the AFC championship game.

"(Ryan) is going to be a great head coach in the NFL," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said after the loss. "If somebody is wise enough to make that decision here shortly, they will have a great head football coach."

The Jets interviewed eight candidates over a three-week span, but they targeted Ryan after his impressive, five-hour interview with owner Woody Johnson and GM Mike Tannenbaum eight days ago at BWI Airport in the Baltimore/Washington area. League rules prevented them from making an offer until Ryan's season was over.

Spagnuolo, Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and Cards assistant head coach Russ Grimm also were leading candidates. On Saturday, Spagnuolo was hired by the Rams, who also interviewed Ryan.

Ryan will replace Eric Mangini, who was unceremoniously fired the day after a disappointing 9-7 season.

The big issue for Ryan is the status of quarterback Brett Favre, who apparently is leaning toward retirement. Johnson is on record as saying he wants Favre, 39, to return, but Ryan will have a say on that matter, according to team sources.

Ryan will became the fourth coach hired by Johnson, who bought the Jets in 2000. Like his predecessors, Al Groh, Herm Edwards and Mangini, Ryan is a defensive-minded coach."


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