Somehow a rumor got started that New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan could be on the New England Patriots staff by the Divisional Round of the playoffs this season, similar to Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels in 2011, if Ryan were to be fired by the Jets.
This is complete and utter nonsense.
Ryan has gone out of his way recently to say some kind words about Patriots head coach, Bill Belichick, even though the relationship between the men has been largely viewed as contentious. Apparently some people in the media want to try to drum up “stories” that have no chance at actually happening, especially since the Jets (3-11) will take on the Patriots (11-3) at home this Sunday. Most likely the real reason Rex has waxed poetic, at least for him, about Belichick in the days leading up to Sunday’s matchup is he either knows the media will write about it, or even more likely, he wants to do what he can to set himself up for a new job for the 2015 season.
Yes, being on the Patriots’ staff for the postseason could go a long way towards helping Ryan land a new gig next season, if he ends up being in the market for one, but New England is far from needing Rex’s services. Ryan is a pretty good defensive coach, but the Jets are allowing 25.7 points per game this season (24th), while the Patriots defense, under coordinator Matt Patricia, are giving up only 20.0 points per game (8th). The Patriots defense has played well this season despite losing some key players to injury, and there is no reason to disrupt that.
Ryan joining the Patriots would invite unnecessary attention. The Patriots organization has been great at handling off field issues (i.e. Aaron Hernandez), but there is zero point in them making any kind of move that could cause unwanted attention, particularly in the midst of trying to win another Super Bowl.
Rex may say that he and Belichick are cordial, and that might be the truth, but there is absolutely no reason for the Patriots to do anything to disrupt what they have achieved this season or to distract them from their end game, which is winning another Super Bowl.
Justin Patrick is a New England Patriots writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @calling_allfans, like him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google. You can also email him at [email protected]
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