Why is it that Rex Ryan can’t seem to get over the hump and get an NFL head coaching job? For that matter, why are guys like Garrett and Spagnuolo getting deals that pay them 3 million and over two million respectively after only one season as coordinators and Rex has had a top 6 defense for three years and is reportedly making around $1.5 million?
In my opinion, the answer is simple, his dad!!!
Buddy Ryan was a legend as a defensive coordinator. He won a ring in Super Bowl III as part of the coaching staff of the Jets team that defeated our Colts, and he was the architect of the 46 defense in Chicago that dominated opponents as the Bears steamrolled their way to the 86 title.
As a head coach, things weren't as easy. He was head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles from 86-90, and of the Arizona Cardinals from 94-95. During both those tenures, Ryan showed the uncanny ability to find talent (guys like Byron Evans, Seth Joyner and Clyde Simmons were amongst his later round draft finds). He was also beloved by the majority of his players at all his coaching stops and nothing reinforced that loyalty more then Ryan's decision to ostracize himself from the "Scab" players in 1987. Buddy told his temporary troops, and I’m paraphrasing here, “I don't know who you are, I don't want to get to know you, and I don't care who you are. I'm only coaching you because the NFL says I have to. This is only temporary so don't get too comfortable.”
Yet despite field tons of talent (in Philly), he never won a playoff game. The fact that Buddy couldn't win big games by itself wouldn't hurt Rex, but add to that the fact that to say Buddy was politically incorrect (that’s putting it mildly) and then problems begin to rear their ugly heads.
Buddy’s pro players union stand during the ‘87 strike did not win him any friends in management. Buddy Ryan has never been one to bite his tongue to save someone's feelings. He even had a much publicized feud with Bears coach Mike Ditka during the club's run to the Super Bowl.
Ryan is a man's man who did things on his terms, but in doing so burned more than a few bridges – which brings us to Rex…
There still is an "Old Boys" network of sorts amongst NFL front offices. These guys have long memories, and they remember some of Buddy's words and actions (including punching offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride on the sidelines when both coached for the Houston Oilers). In my opinion, a lot of these guys are reminded of Buddy when interviewing Rex. I feel that Buddy's past is held against Rex, especially when interviewing for Head Coaching positions (how else can you really explain Atlanta's decision to hire Mike Smith over Rex Ryan).
This is a terrible injustice to Rex Ryan, and I for one hope that Rex will be able to remove himself from his father's vast shadow in the future.
In my opinion, the answer is simple, his dad!!!
Buddy Ryan was a legend as a defensive coordinator. He won a ring in Super Bowl III as part of the coaching staff of the Jets team that defeated our Colts, and he was the architect of the 46 defense in Chicago that dominated opponents as the Bears steamrolled their way to the 86 title.
As a head coach, things weren't as easy. He was head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles from 86-90, and of the Arizona Cardinals from 94-95. During both those tenures, Ryan showed the uncanny ability to find talent (guys like Byron Evans, Seth Joyner and Clyde Simmons were amongst his later round draft finds). He was also beloved by the majority of his players at all his coaching stops and nothing reinforced that loyalty more then Ryan's decision to ostracize himself from the "Scab" players in 1987. Buddy told his temporary troops, and I’m paraphrasing here, “I don't know who you are, I don't want to get to know you, and I don't care who you are. I'm only coaching you because the NFL says I have to. This is only temporary so don't get too comfortable.”
Yet despite field tons of talent (in Philly), he never won a playoff game. The fact that Buddy couldn't win big games by itself wouldn't hurt Rex, but add to that the fact that to say Buddy was politically incorrect (that’s putting it mildly) and then problems begin to rear their ugly heads.
Buddy’s pro players union stand during the ‘87 strike did not win him any friends in management. Buddy Ryan has never been one to bite his tongue to save someone's feelings. He even had a much publicized feud with Bears coach Mike Ditka during the club's run to the Super Bowl.
Ryan is a man's man who did things on his terms, but in doing so burned more than a few bridges – which brings us to Rex…
There still is an "Old Boys" network of sorts amongst NFL front offices. These guys have long memories, and they remember some of Buddy's words and actions (including punching offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride on the sidelines when both coached for the Houston Oilers). In my opinion, a lot of these guys are reminded of Buddy when interviewing Rex. I feel that Buddy's past is held against Rex, especially when interviewing for Head Coaching positions (how else can you really explain Atlanta's decision to hire Mike Smith over Rex Ryan).
This is a terrible injustice to Rex Ryan, and I for one hope that Rex will be able to remove himself from his father's vast shadow in the future.
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