Rex Ryan has officially put an end to his feud with Jets coach Robert Saleh.
Ryan, who was the Jets’ coach from 2009-14, was extremely critical of the freshman coach in a Monday radio broadcast. He makes an exception to the point that people will even compare him to Saleh, especially as it relates to the defensive acumen of the Jet Force (2-7).
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Six days after beating Saleh for the Jets’ poor defensive performance and starting 2-7, Ryan revealed on ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” that he and Saleh have been talking ever since. The former New York coach stepped back on his previous comments, saying he was “blown away” by Saleh’s vision for the Jets.
“I was blown away. I thought he was super smart,” Ryan said. “He has direction for this team. But I’m telling you, Jets fans, I mean the more I say it. The more I talked to him, the more I was impressed with Robert Saleh, like I became a fan of him.
“And, number 1, taking my calls and all that, talking a lot about him. But it’s more than that – we put that stuff behind us. But it’s about the future of him. This team, and I’m just telling you something, this guy has a great plan and I think they got it right.”
Here is a segment of Ryan’s discussion with Saleh:
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It’s a reversal of opinion from Ryan, who outright criticized Saleh in a radio interview Monday with New York-based radio show, “DiPietro & Rothenberg.” Not only has he blasted the Jets’ defensive troubles this season – they’re 28th in pass defense and hasty defense – but he’s also targeted Saleh’s time as defensive coordinator. with 49ers.
“This is a terrible defense,” Ryan said of Saleh’s defense. “This guy is supposed to be a defensive master? I’ve heard everything and I’m commenting on this myself because I’ve heard he’s a lot like me, no bad parts.
“Never compare this guy to me,” Ryan continued. “Statistically, there was a time when they were top defence. This is something he will be familiar with – the last four out of five years, 49 players have died for the last time in their division, so he He’s going to die one last time. So he’s used to that.”
Saleh later heard about Ryan digging into him, responding kindly on “The Michael Kay Show.”
“I never met Rex,” said Saleh, “I never spoke to Rex. I don’t even know him, except for those who knew him during the tournament. Obviously, if it’s personal to him, he knows where to look for me. “
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Apparently, Ryan already knew where to find Saleh. And while that certainly didn’t do anything to help the Jets on the field, at least Ryan was a vocal supporter of the team, rather than a critic.
