Former Jets coach Rex Ryan slyly reacts to Patriots’ decision to hire Mike Vrabel

Former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan has expressed hope for the chance to face Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots during the 2025 season.

Ryan reacted on ESPN to the Patriots’ decision to hire Vrabel as the team’s head coach on Sunday. This came a week after New England fired Jerod Mayo.

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Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Jets head coach Rex Ryan shake after their game on November 22, 2009. (Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images)

“I hope I can kick this guy twice a year,” he said with a smile.

Ryan had interviewed to become the Jets’ head coach and suggested he was the favorite to land the job. He would replace Robert Saleh, who was fired midway through the season, and interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, who replaced Saleh.

“The reason I think I’m going to get it is because I’m the best guy for it. It’s not close,” he said via ESPN. “The thing you have to do is connect with your football team, you have to connect with your fans. The way they play, that’s the most important thing. It’s not just the X and Os and all that.”

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Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel speaks during a news conference, Dec. 12, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

In addition to showing his confidence, Ryan even came up with a throw – one that was aimed directly at quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

“Obviously, when you have a guy not showing up for mandatory minicamp — and, by the way, it’s your quarterback, who’s coming off an injury — I think that’s an absolutely ridiculous message that you’re sending to the team,” Ryan said of Rodgers missing mandatory minicamp this summer for a trip to Egypt.

“If he comes back, things would be different. If he comes back, it won’t be the country club, show up whenever you want. That’s not going to happen. I’ll just leave it to that.”