Ryan rejects report that he wants to leave Jets
New York Jets coach Rex Ryan reacted angrily Friday to a report that he would leave the team unless changes were made to the offense and the coaching staff during the offseason.
He said a New York Daily News story published Friday was unaccurate, saying he was "disappointed and mad as a hornet" after he heard about it.
"This is the only team that I want to coach. Period," Ryan said. "Anybody that knows me knows that I'm telling you the truth."
"I'm proud to be a Jet. Sometimes, I'm proud to be a Jet more than others. This season has been a rough one. But this is my team. I want to be the Jets head coach for the next 15 years. This is the job I've always wanted and that's it."
Ryan acknowledged that the season has been a struggle for the Jets, who will miss the playoffs. Controversy has swirled around the quarterback position and the ineffectiveness of starter Mark Sanchez and the use of backup Tim Tebow.
"Has it been perfect? No. Would I like this player or that player? Of course, anybody would." Ryan said. "But I'm telling you, this is my team, these are my players and I don't want to coach somebody else's players. This is the team I want to coach, period."
Ryan talked with the team about the report Friday morning. He explained to the media that he had no intention of bolting without changes being made.
"That's total garbage. That's garbage. That's not the case at all," Ryan said. "The premise I'd rather go somewhere else to coach somebody else's football team? No way. That's not it. This is my team. I'd rather coach my players and coach my team. I don't care about who else it is. New England Patriots or anybody else, I don't care."
Ryan also spoke with team owner Woody Johnson to reassure him that he was not attempting a power play to get his way.
"I called Mr. Johnson as soon as I read the article and let him know 100 percent that's not my intention. No way in heck," Ryan said. "I'm not putting an ultimatum to this man that hired me. No chance. This is his football team.
"I take it as my team, the guys that I coach and the football part of it, that's how I approach it. But it's Mr. Johnson's team. I feel honored he hired me to do a job."
