Earlier this week, Jets head coach, Rex Ryan was conducting a radio interview with a local San Diego station. During this interview it was brought up that Ryan was one of the candidates for the Chargers job after Marty Schottenheimer was fired in 2007. Ryan was asked how things for him might be different if he were the head coach of the Chargers from that point on. His response was cocky, arrogant, and praising of the current coach. His comments were overblown and surprisingly accurate.
After asked how things would be different if he were the Chargers coach since 2007, Ryan responded with:
“Well, I think I would have had a couple of rings. I’m telling you, those teams were loaded. There’s no question about it. But things happen for a reason. Obviously, Norv Turner has done a great job there, and A.J. (Smith) and everybody. That’s a great franchise, and he’s probably the best guy for the job at that time.”
I agree with Rex’s assessment except for the idea that Turner has done a great job in San Diego.
In 2006 the San Diego Chargers, lead by Schottenheimer, were the best team by far in the regular season. They had the best record and the most talent of any of the teams in the playoffs, but wound up losing to the New England Patriots who were post season tested and proved they knew how to handle the moment. That team changed very little from the firing of Schottenheimer through the nest few seasons under Turner. Turner took his team to the AFC Championship game the next year, but has only won 1 post season game since. His teams have gotten off to terrible starts before this season and practically play themselves out of the playoffs early in the season. If it weren’t for the lack of stability and talent in the AFC West over the last few years it’s likely that they wouldn’t have made the playoffs. Not exactly an impressive resume, but that’s not shocking since it wasn’t impressive before Turner got to San Diego anyway.
Rex Ryan went to the New York Jets 2 years ago. A team that didn’t have anywhere near the talent of the the Chargers on offense. The defense for the Jets was comparable to that in San Diego, but last year the Chargers had the best defense in the league and didn’t make the playoffs. Ryan took a rookie QB and an unexciting offense to the AFC Championship in his first year as a head coach. He beat Turner’s Chargers in that playoff run. Last year Rex took the Jets back to the playoffs and back to the AFC Championship. Rex has yet to make a Super Bowl in New York, but he has twice as many AFC Championship appearances with less talent then Turner has had in his 4 years in San Diego.
What did people expect Rex to say that question? Ryan is probably the most confident coach in the league, or at least the most outspoken about his confidence. He could have been doing an interview in Cleveland and he still would have said that he would have won rings. He should feel that way, especially about a team that was as loaded as the Chargers were and some could argue still are. Anyone, who thinks that his statement was out-of-line or in some a slight to Turner or his own GM are fishing for a story. You can take it as a dig, but what it is, is the truth. He would have won at least 1 ring in San Diego based on his results in New York. It would be a dig if it weren’t true.
About Chris Canavan
The only thing Ryan is off-base about is his delusions of grandeur. Ryan needs to learn to keep his mouth shut. He wouldn’t have won a SB in SD because while seemingly having good talent, they just arent a good team.
I agree that he should talk less. At this point all he is doing is drawing attention to his failures this season. You have to admit, though, that he has done more with his talent then Turner did with his. I also agree that talent doesn’t make a team, the Chargers went from an AFC Champion contender to a one and done team without very much change to the core of the teams talent. I feel that falls on the coach.
All true about Turner and the Chargers, but is Rex any better losing the AFC Championship game 2 years in a row?
Honestly, yes. Making one is tough, and in the AFC making 2 in a row is impressive. Think of the teams you have to go through to get there: Chargers, Steelers, Ravens, Colts (obviously not this year), Patriots. Considering how inexperienced and inconsistent Sanchez still is and all the ego’s that needed to be managed along the way I would say that Rex is a better coach. Last weeks game also makes me think that he is better. The Chargers had that game in hand at half time and didn’t have the mental toughness to finish the game. That is coaching, at least in my experience.