The St. Louis Rams’ hiring of Steve Spagnuolo impacted two New York franchises. It means the Giants lose their respected defensive coordinator. Just as significant, it positions the Jets to hire Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan as their head coach.

Many thought Ryan was the coach the Rams wanted, and an equal number wondered whether he preferred St. Louis over New York. But when the Rams opted for Spagnuolo, that eliminated the Jets’ biggest threat for Ryan and left them with an unobstructed view to hire the coach that has wowed team owner Woody Johnson.

As soon as the Ravens’ season ends, which could happen as early as Sunday night, the Jets can begin negotiating a deal for Ryan, who’s expected to become their next head coach.

The Jets can thank the Rams for making the coaching hire that makes its next coaching hire possible.

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