Rex Ryan and Tom Coughlin are very different people. This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone, but Jets quarterback Mark Brunell can provide confirmation.
Brunell, 41, is one of the few men to play under both coaches during his NFL career. Brunell was tutored by Coughlin during his long run with the Jaguars (1995-2003). And for the past two seasons, Brunell has been with Ryan in New York, backing up Mark Sanchez.
"There are a lot of differences, but this is a great working environment, as was Tom's," Brunell said Tuesday, according to The Star-Ledger. "Every coach has their own, unique style, and maybe those guys are on the end of each spectrum. But it's been a real honor playing for both of those guys."
The styles of the two coaches is distinct. The defensive-minded Ryan is the ultimate "player's coach," possessing a personable style that has made him a desirable person with whom to work. Coughlin comes from the Bill Parcells coaching tree, and it shows. Stern and meticulous, the offensive-minded Coughlin has had his fair share of run-ins with players through the years.
Of course, Coughlin has a Super Bowl ring, something Rex Ryan promised -- but has yet to deliver -- to Jets fans.
"He was the coach that gave me a shot," Brunell said of Coughlin. "Obviously I have a lot of admiration for him."
Ryan's style is more prevalent in today's game, but Coughlin's old-school approach is proven to work. Goes to show there's more than one way to achieve success in the NFL.
