Outspoken but demanding and passioned about his players. Not everyone's cup of tea but is arguably a top 5 defensive coor.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rex_Ryan
Coaching philosophy[edit]
Ryan stresses that coaches are essentially supposed to be open and communicative with the players and management, who in turn will reciprocate the same attitude. By connecting with his associates, Ryan states, it's "valuable when it comes to figuring out how to motivate somebody (...) because I want that guy to fight for me, just like I want to fight for him."
[114] Fullback Tony Richardson, in an interview, stated Ryan "loves his football team, loves his players" and does as much as he possibly can to ensure their success.
[115] Despite his boisterous and brash comments that have caused increased media coverage of the team, Ryan has taken the attention and has managed to "[put] it on himself" so the players can focus on their tasks.
[115] Ryan has also stressed that the teaching process is an important one, particularly when it comes to providing a player information and building chemistry. However, there has to be flexibility as the process must also be insightful and positive.
[116] Ryan states that coaches are responsible for providing players with information that is vitally important otherwise "if you emphasize everything, you've emphasized nothing."
[116]
Coaching strategy[edit]
With extensive knowledge regarding the intricacies of the defense, Ryan has been criticized for not devoting similar time and effort into coaching the offense.
[117] Ryan refuted this, stating his goal is to implement a proficient running game, citing a desire to "get after" the opponent through running the ball.
[118] Ryan has also stated that passing the ball is important but should not be used incessantly as there should be a balance between both aspects of the offense.
[118] In 2009 and 2010, the Jets were ranked first and fourth overall in the league in rushing which coincided with their two playoff appearances.
[119] In 2011, the Jets attempted to convert to a more pass-oriented offense, which have become more widely used in the NFL, however, the team struggled with this adjustment and reverted to their former run-oriented offense by the middle of the season.
[119] His defensive strategy, in contrast, tends to be more elaborate taking into consideration his experience in the field. There are six different defensive formations utilized in football, but the two commonly used formations are the 3–4 formation, with three defensive lineman and four linebackers, and the 4–3 formation, with four defensive lineman and three linebackers.[2] The Jets utilized the former of the two popular formations; however, Ryan tended to employ all six formations in varying forms.[2] Furthermore, he often calls audibles that have the defense line up in one formation and switch to another so as to cloak their intentions and confuse and pressure the opponent.[2]
As a testament to this philosophy, Ryan is often willing to defer the
coin toss to the opponent so his team can begin the game playing on defense in order to "set the tone" and generate
turnovers.
[120][121] This concept has been criticized by
ESPN reporter
John Clayton, who has found the method to be ineffective league-wide.
[121] Mark Kriegel, an analyst for the
NFL Network, found that between 2005 and 2012, during his tenure with both the Ravens and Jets,
Ryan's defenses have never been ranked lower than sixth overall in the NFL and have allowed an average of 281 yards per game from scrimmage, second to Dick LeBeau's 277.4 yards per game. LeBeau is generally regarded as one of the best defensive coordinators in the history of the NFL.[122][123]
