Rex Ryan facts for kids
Ryan while head coach of the Buffalo Bills in 2015
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| Personal information | |
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| Born: | December 13, 1962 Ardmore, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Stevenson (Lincolnshire, Illinois) |
| College: | Southwestern Oklahoma State |
| Career history | |
| As coach: | |
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| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Head coaching record | |
| Regular season: | 61–66 (.480) |
| Postseason: | 4–2 (.667) |
| Career: | 65–68 (.489) |
| Coaching stats at PFR | |
Rex Ashley Ryan (born December 13, 1962) is an American former football coach and sports analyst. He was the head coach for the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills, both teams in the National Football League (NFL). Ryan also worked as a coach for seven other NFL and college teams.
Rex and his twin brother, Rob Ryan, are the sons of famous football coach Buddy Ryan. From a young age, Rex wanted to follow his father's path and become a professional football coach. He spent most of his childhood in Canada. As a teenager, he moved back to the United States and went to Southwestern Oklahoma State University. After college, Ryan spent 22 years as an assistant coach for various college and professional teams.
In 1999, Rex Ryan joined the Baltimore Ravens as a coach. He stayed there for ten years. In 2005, he became the team's defensive coordinator. Later, in 2008, he was promoted to assistant head coach. Ryan then became the head coach for the New York Jets in 2009. He became known for being very outspoken and confident. In his first two seasons, he led the Jets to the AFC Championship Game twice. After a few tough seasons, Ryan was fired from the Jets in 2014. Soon after, he became the head coach for the Buffalo Bills, where he coached for two years. Since 2016, he has worked as an analyst for ESPN, appearing on shows like Sunday NFL Countdown.
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Early Life and College Years
Rex Ryan and his twin brother, Rob, were born in Ardmore, Oklahoma, on December 13, 1962. Their parents were Doris and Buddy Ryan. When the boys were two, their parents divorced. Their mother moved to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, for a job at the University of Toronto. Rex, Rob, and their older brother Jim moved with her.
Rex always wanted to be a football coach, just like his dad. Their father was famous for creating a special defense in the NFL called the "46 defense." By age six, Rex and Rob knew they wanted to coach.
Football was not very popular in Canada, which disappointed Rex. When Rex was a teenager, his mother decided it would be best for the boys to live with their father. Their dad was coaching for the Minnesota Vikings at the time. This move helped them stay out of trouble and learn more about football.
In 1978, their father, Buddy, became the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears. Rex, Rob, and Jim moved with him to Lincolnshire, Illinois. The brothers went to Stevenson High School.
Rex and Rob both went to Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Rex played defensive end for the football team. He graduated in 1986 and was later added to the university's Hall of Fame in 2011.
Coaching in College
After graduating in 1986, Rex Ryan got a job as a graduate assistant coach at Eastern Kentucky. He helped with many tasks, from making copies of game plans to picking up players. His team won the Ohio Valley Conference title in both years he was there.
At 26, Ryan became the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at New Mexico Highlands. His team led the league in forcing turnovers. After that, Ryan joined Morehead State as the defensive coordinator for four years. His defense was one of the best in the nation during that time.
After working for his father in the NFL for two years, Ryan returned to college coaching. He became the defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bearcats. In his last year there, the Bearcats won their first bowl game in 50 years. Ryan then coached for the Oklahoma Sooners for a year. Their defense was ranked sixth in the nation.
National Football League Coaching
Assistant Coach Roles
In 1994, Rex Ryan's father, Buddy, became the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. He offered Rex his first NFL job as a defensive assistant. Rex worked with the team's linebackers and defensive linemen. The Cardinals had a good season, finishing 8–8, after many losing years. However, the next year, the team went 4–12, and all the coaches were fired.
After coaching at three different colleges, Ryan hoped to return to the NFL. In 1999, he got a call from Brian Billick, the new head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. Billick had been impressed by Ryan's passion for football and hired him as the defensive line coach.
In Ryan's first year with the Ravens, their defense was ranked second in the NFL. By 2000, the Ravens' defense set NFL records for allowing the fewest rushing yards. They only allowed 23 points in four playoff games, leading them to win Super Bowl XXXV. This was Ryan's only Super Bowl ring. The defense continued to play well in the following years. In 2005, Ryan was promoted to defensive coordinator. In 2006, he won the Assistant Coach of the Year award from Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writers Association.
After the 2007 season, the Ravens fired their coaching staff. Ryan interviewed for head coaching jobs with the Ravens, Miami, and Atlanta, but he didn't get any of them. He decided to stay with the Ravens as defensive coordinator and was also promoted to assistant head coach. In 2008, his last year with the team, the Ravens' defense was ranked second in the NFL. They lost in the AFC Championship Game to the Pittsburgh Steelers. After nine years with the Ravens, Ryan accepted the head coaching job with the New York Jets.
New York Jets Head Coach
The New York Jets fired their head coach in December 2008. Rex Ryan was one of several candidates interviewed. He was offered a four-year contract and accepted it on January 19, 2009.
Ryan immediately started his plan for the team. He wanted to help players focus and build team chemistry. He moved training camp to SUNY Cortland to keep the team away from distractions. Ryan and the team's general manager, Mike Tannenbaum, also wanted to draft a quarterback who could lead the team. They traded up to pick Mark Sanchez in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft.
2009 Season Highlights
The Jets started the 2009 season with a 24–7 win over the Houston Texans. Their defense played great, not allowing any touchdowns. The next week, they beat the New England Patriots 16–9 at home. This was the Jets' first home win against New England since 2000. They also beat the Tennessee Titans in Week 3, starting the season 3–0 for the first time since 2004. Rex Ryan was the first rookie head coach for the Jets to win his first three games.
After a strong start, the Jets struggled, losing six of their next seven games. However, they recovered and won five of their last six games. They even defeated the previously unbeaten Indianapolis Colts. In the final game of the season, the Jets beat the Cincinnati Bengals 37–0, securing a spot in the playoffs. Under Ryan, the Jets' defense was ranked first in the NFL. They beat Cincinnati again in the playoffs and then upset the San Diego Chargers. The Jets made it to the AFC Championship Game but lost to the Colts 30–17.
2010 Season Success
Before his second year, Rex Ryan received a two-year contract extension. He was very confident, even writing "Soon To Be Champs" on the team's training camp bus. This prediction caused some talk, but many liked his bold attitude. The Jets started the season with a great 9–2 record. They faced the Patriots, who were also 9–2, and lost 45–3. However, the Jets finished the season 11–5 and made the playoffs as a wild card team.
In the Wild Card Round, the Jets beat the Indianapolis Colts 17–16. The next week, they defeated the New England Patriots 28–21, ending New England's winning streak. This win made the Jets the first team to win back-to-back road playoff games in a row. They advanced to the AFC Championship Game for the second straight season but lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 24–19.
2011 and 2012 Seasons
The 2011 season started with a 2–3 record, and there was some unhappiness within the team. The offense struggled, and some players questioned the coaching. The Jets finished the season with an 8–8 record and missed the playoffs. Ryan admitted he had "lost the pulse of the team." He also said he would stop making Super Bowl predictions publicly.
In 2012, the Jets struggled to a 4–7 record. There was debate about whether to bench quarterback Mark Sanchez for Tim Tebow. Ryan decided to bench Sanchez for Greg McElroy in one game, which the Jets won 7–6. Sanchez returned as the starter but continued to struggle. The Jets finished the year with a 6–10 record, their first losing season under Ryan. The team's general manager was fired, but Ryan was kept on as coach for 2013.
2013 and 2014 Seasons
For the 2013 season, Ryan changed some of his coaching staff. The Jets drafted Geno Smith to compete for the quarterback position. Ryan was criticized when Mark Sanchez got a season-ending injury in a preseason game, leading to Smith becoming the starter.
The Jets started 5–4, and Ryan was considered for Coach of the Year. However, they then lost three games in a row. Despite this, the team broke their losing streak and stayed in playoff contention for a while. The Jets finished the season strong, winning their last two games. After the season, the team announced Ryan would return for 2014, which made the players happy.
The 2014 season started with a win, but then the Jets lost eight games in a row. Quarterback Geno Smith was replaced by veteran Michael Vick. Vick helped the team snap the losing streak. The Jets finished with a 4–12 record, their worst under Ryan. Despite players wanting him to stay, Rex Ryan was fired on December 29, 2014.
Buffalo Bills Head Coach
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Rex Ryan was hired as the head coach of the Buffalo Bills on January 12, 2015. He signed a five-year contract.
2015 Season with the Bills
The Bills started the 2015 season with a 27–14 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Ryan gave his players wristbands that said "Yes sir" to help them reduce penalties. The Bills entered their bye week with a 3–4 record.
After the bye week, the Bills beat the Miami Dolphins 33–17. Ryan returned to MetLife Stadium to face his old team, the Jets, and the Bills won 22–17. Ryan faced questions for naming IK Enemkpali as a captain for the game, as Enemkpali had broken the Jets' quarterback's jaw earlier. The Bills did not make the playoffs in Ryan's first season, finishing with an 8–8 record. This extended their playoff drought to 16 seasons.
2016 Season and Departure
On January 10, 2016, Rex Ryan hired his twin brother, Rob, to the Bills' coaching staff. Rob worked as an assistant head coach and helped with the defense. Rex also hired former NFL player Ed Reed as an assistant coach.
The Bills started the 2016 season with a loss. After losing their home opener to the Jets, Ryan fired his offensive coordinator. On December 27, after a loss to the Miami Dolphins that ended their playoff hopes, Rex Ryan was fired as head coach. Rob Ryan was also dismissed. Many players found Ryan's defensive system complicated. The Bills' defense finished the 2016 season ranked 15th in points allowed.
Life After Coaching
After leaving the Bills in 2016, Rex Ryan began working for ESPN. He provides analysis for their football shows, including Sunday NFL Countdown.
In 2022, Ryan competed on the 34th season of the reality TV show The Amazing Race with his friend, Tim Mann. They were eliminated in the second part of the race and finished in 11th place.
Coaching Style
Rex Ryan believes coaches should be open and communicate well with players and management. He thinks this helps motivate players to fight for the team. Former player Tony Richardson said Ryan "loves his football team, loves his players" and does everything to help them succeed. Ryan often took media attention onto himself so his players could focus. He also believes in teaching players clearly and building team chemistry.
Defensive Strategy
Ryan is known for his deep knowledge of defense. He aims for a strong running game on offense to "get after" opponents. He believes in balancing running and passing plays. In 2009 and 2010, when the Jets had top-ranked rushing offenses, they made the playoffs.
His defensive strategy is often complex. While most teams use one or two main defensive formations, Ryan often uses all six different formations. He likes to change formations right before a play to confuse opponents and pressure them. Ryan often chooses to play defense first after the coin toss to "set the tone" and try to force turnovers. Analysts have noted that Ryan's defenses have consistently ranked among the best in the NFL.
Personal Life
Rex Ryan and his wife, Michelle, met in college. They got married in 1987 and have two sons, Seth and Payton. Seth is also involved in football as an assistant coach for the Detroit Lions. Rex earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master's degree in physical education from Eastern Kentucky University.
Health and Well-being
In 2009, Rex Ryan shared that he has dyslexia, a learning difference that affects reading and writing. He had trouble with reading and writing in school but was not officially diagnosed until 2007. To help with coaching, Ryan uses color-coded playbooks.
In 2010, Ryan had surgery to help with his obesity. He lost a lot of weight after the procedure. In 2016, he had another procedure to remove the device, having lost a total of 120 pounds over six years.
Media Appearances
Rex Ryan wrote a book called Play Like You Mean It, which is about his life and football strategy. The book was published in 2011. He also played a lawyer in the movie That's My Boy, which came out in 2012.
Sports Fan Allegiances
Rex Ryan is a big hockey fan. He has been known to support different teams depending on where he is coaching. He grew up a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs. When he coached the Jets, he supported the New York area teams like the New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers, and New York Islanders.
When he became the Bills' head coach, he switched his support to the Buffalo Sabres. He was often seen at their games wearing their team gear. After leaving the Bills, he was seen supporting the Nashville Predators during their playoff run.
Head Coaching Record
| Team | Year | Regular season | Postseason | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Won | Lost | Ties | Win % | Finish | Won | Lost | Win % | Result | ||
| NYJ | 2009 | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 2nd in AFC East | 2 | 1 | .667 | Lost to Indianapolis Colts in AFC Championship Game |
| NYJ | 2010 | 11 | 5 | 0 | .688 | 2nd in AFC East | 2 | 1 | .667 | Lost to Pittsburgh Steelers in AFC Championship Game |
| NYJ | 2011 | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 2nd in AFC East | — | — | — | — |
| NYJ | 2012 | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 3rd in AFC East | — | — | — | — |
| NYJ | 2013 | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 2nd in AFC East | — | — | — | — |
| NYJ | 2014 | 4 | 12 | 0 | .250 | 4th in AFC East | — | — | — | — |
| NYJ total | 46 | 50 | 0 | .479 | 4 | 2 | .667 | |||
| BUF | 2015 | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 3rd in AFC East | — | — | — | — |
| BUF | 2016 | 7 | 8 | 0 | .467 | (fired) | — | — | — | — |
| BUF total | 15 | 16 | 0 | .484 | 0 | 0 | .000 | |||
| Total | 61 | 66 | 0 | .480 | 4 | 2 | .667 | |||
See also
In Spanish: Rex Ryan para niños
