It’s not often that a coaching candidate starts publicly opining on a player they could be coaching in the future.
But that’s exactly what Rex Ryan was doing on Sunday ahead of the final slate of games of the regular season when he discussed Aaron Rodgers on ESPN.
Ryan, who is an analyst for the network, is scheduled to interview for the vacant Jets head coaching position on Tuesday.
During Sunday NFL Countdown, the panel, which included Ryan, was discussing Rodgers’ future with the Jets and in the NFL.
When Ryan was asked if Rodgers would be a Jet in 2025 he quickly answered, “No.”
The former Jets coach went further by seeming to call out the current quarterback’s commitment to the organization.
“I think you can let a guy walk out the door when he’s not committed to the team,” Ryan said. “Well you can’t tell me that hasn’t been the case. This is a guy that wasn’t at mandatory mini camp, enough said.”
Ryan was referencing the fact that Rodgers had missed mini camp to take an Egyptian vacation, which created plenty of headlines going into training camp in the summer.
Ryan’s comments certainly add an odd layer to the fact that he’ll be interviewing for a job that could include having to work with Rodgers, should he still be in New York next season.
Rodgers seemed unclear on his own future on Sunday after the Jets’ season-finale win over the Dolphins.
“Truthfully I don’t know. I’m looking forward to those conversations with Woody and Christopher [Johnson],” Rodgers said about his future in New York. “Feels good to be able to do some of those things the last five or six weeks I know I was capable of doing, even at 40, 41. Either way, I won’t be upset or offended whatever they decide to do. If they want to move on, if I still want to play and if not I’ll let them know at some point if that’s the case.”
One person who would like to see Rodgers back with the Jets next season is legendary QB Joe Namath, who posted his support on social media.
The Jets have to fill vacancies with their head coach and general manager, which could facilitate plenty of change around the organization.
