Rex Ryan is sticking in the AFC East.
The Buffalo Bills have made Ryan their new coach, the team announced Monday. There will be an introductory press conference on Wednesday.
"Rex brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the position that we feel will be a tremendous benefit to our players and the entire Bills organization," owner Terry Pegula wrote in a statement. "... We look forward to his leadership and expertise in directing our team to the playoffs and bringing a championship to Buffalo for our fans."
In Buffalo, Ryan will lead an already dominant defense, with pass rushers that will mesh well with his style. However, questions at quarterback persist, which is what sank him during his tenure with the New York Jets.
NFL Media's Kimberly Jones reports that the proposed deal is for five years. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport added that the yearly value is worth just north of $5 million.
Jones reported that Jets defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman is expected to join Ryan in the same position.
As one of the best minds in football, Ryan will mesh well with the personnel in Buffalo. The defensive line of Marcell Dareus, Mario Williams, Kyle Williams and Jerry Hughes, is among the best in the NFL. And Buffalo's secondary is better than Ryan was working with the last few years in New York.
Ryan's former confidant and defensive coordinator Mike Pettine led to the Bills defensive turnaround two years ago, so switching back from a 4-3 to a 3-4 scheme shouldn't be a problem in Western New York.
The biggest question for Ryan will now be the quarterback situation.
Ryan compiled a 46-50 record with the Jets. His team failures were mostly due to struggling quarterback play from young signal callers Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith. Now he'll likely be saddled with another young, inconsistent and unproven quarterback in EJ Manuel.
Who Ryan brings in at offensive coordinator will be key to watch. Rapoport reported that Ryan's top pick for the spot would be Niners offensive coordinator Greg Roman.
Ryan's marriage with Buffalo seems odd, given what he's went through the last few years in New York.
However, there is no doubt the union will make the AFC East even more entertaining (if that's possible). Not only will Ryan face Bill Belichick's rings twice a year, he'll also have two grudge matches a season with the Jets.
Feel the fun!
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