Jets must choose between Schottenheimer, Ryan
Published: January 15th, 2009 | Tags: Brian Schottenheimer, New York Jets, NFL coaching search, Rex Ryan
A prevailing thought circulating around New York and the NFL is that the Jets can pull off a daily double and hire a dynamic duo.
They can land two of their top candidates by hiring Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan as their head coach and keeping Brian Schottenheimer as their offensive coordinator. But hold on. Anyone making that suggestion should be flagged for a false start.
Hiring Ryan does not insure keeping Schottenheimer. In fact, it’s just the opposite, multiple league sources say.
If the Jets hire Ryan, the strong belief is that Schottenheimer will look to leave the Jets. Schottenheimer stayed with the Jets two seasons ago when he opted to turn down the Dolphins’ head-coaching job. Now, two seasons later, it’s unlikely he would do the same if New York picked another candidate over him.
It’s a situation that already has drawn attention around the league. Other teams are eying Schottenheimer, waiting to see if the Jets go in a different direction and how they will handle it if they do. It would not be an easy situation to navigate.
But what is known for now is that Ryan and Schottenheimer are not on the same ticket like Obama and Biden. Contrary to public perception, it looks like it could be one or the other.