Rex Ryan and the New York Jets face Peyton Manning and Tom Brady in a five-day stretch and could be staring at a 1-6 record this time next week.
Ryan knows he's on the hot seat and must turn it around -- or else he'll be looking for a new job.
However, Rex will have at least until the end of the season before there is any chance he'll need to freshen up his resume.
On NFL GameDay Morning, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported, according to several sources in and around the situation, that it's highly unlikely a midseason firing of Ryan will take place.
Rapoport added that the same goes for general manager John Idzik, who is also coming under fire in New York for his offseason moves (or lack thereof). Idzik made the call to not spend $20 million in cap space this past offseason because he believed there wasn't a wise investment to be made -- and the Jets owner didn't hold him back.
"What I am told is owner Woody Johnson will assess this situation in its entirety after the season," Rapoport said. "So what will this hinge on? I'm told there is no litmus test as far as saying, 'Rex needs to make the playoffs and then he'll be able to keep his job,' even though his contract actually triggers with a playoff appearance. Because there is an acknowledgement in the organization that there's just not as much talent as they thought there would be -- certainly not as much talent as they had last year."
Ryan denied this week that the Jets lack talent. However, the team's play on the field says otherwise.
Rapoport also noted that one reason the Jets didn't fire Ryan last year was out of fear of watching him move on and win elsewhere. That same fear still exists.
There is zero doubt Ryan will get another NFL job if he's fired. As one of the best defensive minds in football, he'll be the hottest name available the nanosecond the Jets decide to cut ties.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast recaps the Colts' win over the Texans and previews every other Week 6 game. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL Now.
