Rex Ryan is staying in New York.
Jets owner Woody Johnson told reporters Sunday that Ryan will be back for the 2014 season on the heels of New York's 20-7 win over the Miami Dolphins.
"We're going to keep Rex Ryan, and he'll be our coach next year," Johnson said, also adding. "I couldn't be prouder of this team."
It's a major victory for Ryan, who coached the Jets to an 8-8 finish amid constant speculation about his job status. The lingering perception all year in Florham Park was that Rex wasn't John Idzik's choice to build around. The new general manager ultimately was won over by the play of a team that never gave up on its coach.
Johnson said that Ryan knew his fate prior to Sunday's kickoff. The owner informed the players of his decision minutes after Gang Green knocked Miami out of the AFC playoff picture.
"To finish the way we did, in our estimation, a playoff-type atmosphere for us, guys responded," Idzik said. "Suffice it to say, we're very happy with Rex as our coach."
Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reported that Ryan, with one year left on his contract, has an understanding with the team to work out an extension. Ryan wants it to be a long extension, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday, per a team source. There's still work to be done, Rapoport added, and the coach is due $3.3 million in 2014.
However, Rex was vague when asked by reporters about whether or not he'll have complete control over the fate of his coaching staff. Mehta noted that Jets assistants are "still in the dark about their futures."
Ryan's fifth season included some of his best work running New York's defense. A youthful line, led by Muhammad Wilkerson and rookie Sheldon Richardson, will be difficult to handle for years to come. Rex will continue to be the coach guiding them.
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