New York Jets HC candidate Rex Ryan makes feelings known on Aaron Rodgers' future

Rex Ryan, a potential candidate for the New York Jets's head coach position, has made his feelings clear about Aaron Rodgers's future with the franchise. During a discussion on Sunday NFL Countdown, Mike Greenberg asked the members of the desk about the four-time MVP's future with the Jets and Ryan emphatically declared, “No!”

Rex Ryan's no-nonsense answer comes as he prepares for a pivotal interview on Tuesday for the Jets’s vacant coaching position.

The New York Jets are reeling from a disappointing season. Additionally, the mid-season firing of coach Robert Saleh has cast a wide net in their search for a new HC. The team has already interviewed two of the NFL's most prominent coaching candidates, Ron Rivera and Mike Vrabel. Also, Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich, who stepped in after the firing of Robert Saleh, is set to get his chance for an interview next week.

Having led the New York Jets from 2009 to 2014, including back-to-back AFC Championship appearances, Ulbrich remains one of the franchise’s most notable figures. Therefore, if he ends up in the role, it is clear that the veteran QB Aaron Rodgers may not get included in Rex Ryan's vision for the team’s future.

At 41, Aaron Rodgers is at a crossroads. Speaking candidly about his uncertain future, Rodgers admitted:

“I think there’s going to be change here, and if I’m a part of the change, then I just want to make sure everybody knows I have nothing but gratitude for my time here.”

While A-Rod has hinted at the possibility of retirement, he also left the door open for a return only if the circumstances align.

Looking back at Rex Ryan's stint in New York Jets

When the New York Jets fired Eric Mangini following a late-season collapse, Rex Ryan was hired by the team on Jan. 19, 2009, and wasted no time making an impact.

His first regular season as a head coach ended with a 9–7 record and the team clinched a playoff spot. However, it was the postseason that defined Ryan's tenure. The Jets won against the Cincinnati Bengals and San Diego Chargers before falling to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game.

As 2010 arrived, Rex Ryan's team surged through the season and finished with an 11–5 record and another playoff berth. Although the Jets ran to the AFC Championship Game, they were defeated by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

As Rex Ryan entered his third season, the team's offensive struggles, particularly at QB, led to tensions within the team. His relationship with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer became strained. Regarding stats, the Jets finished the season with an 8–8 record and missed the playoffs.

The 2012 season was equally tumultuous. The team finished with a 6–10 record, marking the first losing season under Rex Ryan's leadership.

After returning for the 2013 season, Ryan’s tenure with the Jets ended after a dismal 2014 season with a 4–12 record. Interestingly, players expressed their desire for him to stay, but the team management opted for a change.

It didn’t take long for the Buffalo Bills to swoop in. They hired Ryan as their head coach in January 2015 with a five-year, $27.5 million contract.