A popular sentiment exists that Rex Ryan's 2013 coaching job is one of his best performances, even if it ultimately fell short of a playoff berth.
However, there has been no definitive word from ownership to Ryan on his future, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Saturday, according to sources with knowledge of the Jets' thinking. Coaches do not know whether they will be returning.
Rapoport did note that the vibes within the Jets' facility recently have turned positive, even with a string of ugly losses. Ryan and general manager John Idzik have been working well together and getting along.
Ryan has one year remaining on his contract, which would have to be addressed if he were retained.
Owner Woody Johnson has often gone out of his way to display his fondness of Ryan, including thrusting him upon Idzik when the GM was hired last season.
With almost no offensive talent and a scrambled secondary, that Ryan's team eked out seven wins is a testament to his acumen as a defensive coach. The possibility still exists that Idzik will ultimately want to choose his own coach, but the signs emanating out of Florham Park seem sprinkled with optimism about Ryan's future.
The latest "Around The League Podcast" delivered a Christmas gift, analyzing the chaotic playoff picture in both conferences.
