Lange is editor-in-chief of newyorkjets.com. He covered the Jets for 13 years for The Record of Hackensack, N.J.
File Under: Darrelle Revis, Bryan Cox, Rex Ryan, Brian Daboll, Barack Obama
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01/20 — One inauguration down, one to go.
Of course, today's ceremony was for President Barack Obama. Wednesday's "inaugural" is merely a news conference to introduce the new head coach of the New York Jets, Rex Ryan.
But that's a very important position in this smaller NFL universe that includes the Atlantic Health Training Center, and it will be made officially official at the Ryan news conference, which begins at 10 a.m. and will be streamed live as usual on newyorkjets.com.
Green & White fans and "civilian" Jets employees aren't the only ones who haven't met Ryan face to face. He's new to most of the Jets players, too. Many are no longer in the North Jersey area, having scattered to their homes since the end of the regular season.
But cornerback Darrelle Revis, although a Pittsburgh (Aliquippa, actually) native, has shown the tendency to hang around the Jets' home in the off-season — last year Hofstra University, this year the AHTC. In fact, he said he'll be in the building during Ryan's first address to reporters and fans as the team's new football boss.
"The only thing I knew about Rex was that he was a defensive coordinator," Revis told me this afternoon. "I heard he has a personality, so that's good as well.
"This is the situation we're in," he added of the Jets' coaching move to Ryan. "Him stepping up to be a head coach is a big step for him, and we're behind him, supporting him. We're accepting our new coach."
Eric Allen will have a story a little later today on other Jets players' reaction to their new coach. And EA and I sat in our plush studio here early in the afternoon to talk with Chris Mortensen, the esteemed NFL reporter for ESPN. Mort reported many great observations and speculations about the Jets, Ryan, Brian Schottenheimer and Brett Favre that you'll want to listen in on. That edition of the "Jets Two-Minute Drive" radio show is now up on the site.
And you'll want to check out our site all day Wednesday because we'll have stories and features on the events of the day as the Jets welcome their 17th head coach since their inception in 1960. (The U.S., by comparison has had 11 presidents since '60.)
Needless to say, when a new coach comes in, he brings in new coaches with him and coaches who are still here will be leaving. We already know that quarterbacks coach Brian Daboll has gone to Cleveland to serve as Eric Mangini's offensive coordinator and there are whispers of other comings and goings, which we'll pass on to you when we can.
One who was saying his goodbyes today was defensive line assistant Bryan Cox. The tough-guy linebacker, who once took on Buffalo Bills fans at then-named Rich Stadium, played for the Jets on a broken leg (incredibly, if briefly, during Game 15 of the 2000 season vs. Detroit) and told it like it was for a short time as a Fox football commentator, has become an old softie, at least around the office.
"B" hugged people he knew for several years, people he was meeting for the first time. He admitted he's leaving the organization but didn't say where. But it wasn't a time for too many tears or froggy throats.
"I'm living the good life," he said several times. "Call me if you need anything."
Someday I may take him up on that. One never knows when one will run into B-Cox again in this unpredictable NFL universe.
Fans Respond
Here's your chance to tell Randy what you think! Add a Comment | Hide All Show All (41)Damone Said:
Tue, January 20, 2009 - 6:09pm ET"I hope he brings all new coordinators!!"
matt Said:
Tue, January 20, 2009 - 6:44pm ET"iv always liked rex as a dcoordinater,but i dont know if hes ready for the big job.if he can take our defense and turn it into a top 5 d,we might have a shot.but now that Daboll is gone,Shotty will b on his own to bring back brett. i hope he can develop clemens over t-camp because we dont have neone who knows him.its going to be a sad year for our qb,which is good news for tj. 1500 yards nxt year"
Vincent Said:
Tue, January 20, 2009 - 7:00pm ET"Dang it Randy! Did you have to add the part about Bryan Cox?! A high-octane, intimidating, bone-crushing player that I always admired. So VERY SAD to hear he's going. Re RR - he's a Jet now, so although I wanted a HC with experience, he's got my full support as a Jet fan. The Jet Nation and players should do the same. He's got the stats and the attitude, and I hope he can change our fate. Go Rex!"
Big Ed Said:
Tue, January 20, 2009 - 7:05pm ET"A BIG HEARTY WELCOME TO D-REX!!!"
Ira Said:
Tue, January 20, 2009 - 7:08pm ET"Randy, I had heard Cox was leaving and Henderson too will be following him to the Browns. Loved Cox as a player and i remember playing on that broken leg in the rain and slop that day. I am sure that Revis and the rest of the defensive players will be happy to change to Ryan's aggressive style."
sal Said:
Tue, January 20, 2009 - 7:21pm ET"this team had hid dad running the defence on the superbowl team, i like the connection, what needs to happen now is good decion making for signing free agents and the draft, Mr. T brought his buudy from cleveland and got him fired, he let Ward go, paid alot for Jones, passed up cutler in draft, and a feww good recievers, I hope he learned, if not he has to go. get rid of shotemheimer/sutton "
Ira Said:
Tue, January 20, 2009 - 7:21pm ET"Randy and EA, Great radio show today. Mort hit on the most important point i thought. Ryan will let his coaches coach where as Eric didn't. That will be a big difference and Schotty can thrive with this offense with or without Favre. Hope he stays on. Don't want to see Ratliff and Kellen have to learn a new system after spending 2 years in it already. I have a gut feeling the Jets the right HC."
sal Said:
Tue, January 20, 2009 - 7:34pm ET"you got to get rid of the coordinators, they were if not more resposible for the collasp of this team, if farve was hurt that on mangini for not sitting him, the the lack of effort is on them all, and Ryan should get of the players that laid down, and we still havnt heard what happened to this team after the Tenn. win. Randy/ Eric any idea? We arnt alowed acess to the team, i would not rest till "
jetfanDan Said:
Tue, January 20, 2009 - 8:57pm ET"Welcome Coach Ryan! Alot of us already were lobbying for him...I hope he brings what we expect - a WINNER! REX! REX! REX!"
John Said:
Tue, January 20, 2009 - 9:44pm ET"All I've got to say is we better beat Mangenius and Cox when we play them in two years ! cox is a loss."
Mechanic Mike Said:
Tue, January 20, 2009 - 10:28pm ET"I wouldn't worry about the coordinators. Rex will let them do their job; which is something Mangini didn't do. And if the wrong coordinators are in place, I'm sure that Rex will find the guys. These guys should be accountable for their actions. Let's now go after a play maker as QB. Be mindful that Woody's payroll is down."
sal Said:
Tue, January 20, 2009 - 11:02pm ET"I hope Ryan can get Gholston to play to his supposed potential, rember there was a commitment issue w/him coming out of collage,I hope thats not the case, Suggs didnt make any headlines and ryan is said to have been a big part in his development. Ill never figure out players needing motivation to win, and play all out all the time. thats what we did in brooklyn, or else your elbow and knees"
barbara Said:
Wed, January 21, 2009 - 12:47am ET"brett i hope you are reading this...come back, everything is lining up for you. i have been a fan with you in green bay...this is right for you....we can go win the superbowl...i know your drive...find a way to come back, and don't pay attention to the negative comments, THEY DON'T KNOW YOU! ....we do...everything you need is here....we love you! so many of us pray for your happiness everyday."
jet80 Said:
Wed, January 21, 2009 - 1:47am ET"Ryan needs to let Sutton go.just so happens Indy's Ron Meeks resigned today,good timing.as for the rest of this team Ryan needs to clean house with all these players that have horrible tackling skills and no passion.Leon gets the only free pass for showin play after play that he wants to win.players like Clowney and Ratliff get a pass just for the fact that they havent seen an NFL field yet."
Thomas, Berlin Said:
Wed, January 21, 2009 - 5:24am ET"Randy, Adam Schefter just mentioned the possibility of RR bringing in Ray Lewis (UFA) to serve as the inspirational leader of our D. Can we afford him/Do you like this scenario at all? I personally feel like the major weakness is the secondary. Also, I like the hiring of Rex Ryan because he has a much different approach w more responsibility to his Coords. Most pieces of our team are in place!"
uncle joe Said:
Wed, January 21, 2009 - 6:47am ET"I told you people,Our owner is one of the best and so is our GM.Cowher didn't wanna come back,and he's nothing special anyway,he benefitted from a great D coordinater.We got the Best Guy For The Job and once other teams new we wanted him they backed off because Woody & Tannenbaum were not gonna lose that bidding war!"
big pete Said:
Wed, January 21, 2009 - 8:26am ET"For all of you people that don't seem to understand that this was a great move, go be a steelers fan, because you are the main reason our team has this stupid curse. We need to rid ourselves of all the weak minded people that root for conservative, non- creative coaches like mangini."
ablity Said:
Wed, January 21, 2009 - 8:27am ET"revis is my boy for this, the real season is the offseason when most player like to chill and party, im sure he does that to but to stay around the jets bliulding show that he wants to get better, hes already a pro bowl corner, now he wants to be the best, why cant all players have that mindset"
wayne Said:
Wed, January 21, 2009 - 8:27am ET"Frankly, who cares which ones of these guys like him or approves.Anyone not on board the program, ship em out.That's the way the Tuna does it and that's why he's able to turn around a program in no more than 2yrs.You get these guys thinking they have a choice and they start deciding not to show up some games.Mr. Ryan's resume can't be questioned by these guys.That's the edge Mangini didn't have."
Anthony Said:
Wed, January 21, 2009 - 8:57am ET"I am excited to Get Rex Ryan. I am anticipating next season more then anything right now. I hope this is the change we need ha. I think Ryan will bring in something the Jets haven't had in a while emotion on their sidelines. Getting the players pumped to do what is necessary to win. And as for the qb spot we have two guys who aren't battle tested yet. Clemens had no line and Ratliff is new..."
Anonymous Said:
Wed, January 21, 2009 - 9:15am ET"OK, Mike, now you can leave. DECLINED"
Drew Said:
Wed, January 21, 2009 - 9:35am ET"Another exciting day in the life of a Jet fan. Our boy Rex gets announced today and hopefully will bring a Championship to us fans. I think you will see a little fire from him today. Somehitng I know Jet fans want to see.....Rex brings instant credibility to our team and will demand respect from these players.....I am very excited!!!!"
Erick Said:
Wed, January 21, 2009 - 9:40am ET"2 names: Peppers and McNabb! Not only is McNabb's contract just about up, he no longer feels the love in Philly. He'd be in one of the best markets in football and would fit in nicely with our offense. Peppers would be a great fit at DE for us and he can rejoin Jenkins. What a D-line that would be. Go Rex! Step this team up."
jak, 25 wk jet fan Said:
Wed, January 21, 2009 - 9:50am ET"a good strong defense can make this current roster a perennial playoff team.the offense needs some kinks hammered out. qb cant throw 20 ints.[favre show em what u can do] need a go to rb who can convert the short yardage [w payton gained at least 2 yrds a carry 95 percent of the time,even when d keyed on him].SAL yes lets hope ryan can utilize vg ect and make the jets d an opponents nightmare."
JET 4 LIFE Said:
Wed, January 21, 2009 - 10:26am ET" change is good for everyone a few days few weeks after the reality sets in and they see the new coaches philosophy and bye into it ,they have to bye into it. they will come together as a team as 1 and the defence should be exciting to watch this season lets get the new blood flowing and the QB ready this could be a good year for the Jets.and his no-nonsense style will be the attitude adjustment ."
Hogan Said:
Wed, January 21, 2009 - 10:58am ET"Presser just ended and man this guys got me pumped. WE WILL HAVE A KILL PHILOSIPHY. Rhodes will have a great year."
joe b Said:
Wed, January 21, 2009 - 11:36am ET"There are conflicting reports on the Draft Choice the JETS will have to give up for Favre. Is it a 3rd or 4th pick. Also if he wants to come back, but not with the JETS. Are there any restrictions on who we can trade him to? "
uncle joe Said:
Wed, January 21, 2009 - 12:52pm ET"Thank you Woody and Tannenbaum.I feel like we just won the SuperBowl.I was fired up after hearing Edwards' opening speech but,this Guy actually knows what he is talking about.And he said his Father will be around the building.I don't care if Farve comes back or not.It's not about him anymore,It's About our DEFENSE.I Love This Guy!"
Tom Spicer Said:
Wed, January 21, 2009 - 12:53pm ET"This is the most excited I have been with the Jets hiring a new coach since that got Parcells this guy is going to give our D what it needs. Rex's saying is ITS NOT THE POSITION OF A PLAYER IT IS HIS DISPOSITION "
Big Ed Said:
Wed, January 21, 2009 - 12:55pm ET"I hear ya Hogan! While watching the presser I had to let out a Woooooooooo Hooooooo!!!!! Go REX!!! We definitely have the right man. He's got that NY personality. And gives us what we haven't had since Broadway. "Look out here come the Jets and we'll give you everything we got and it's gonna be more than you can handle!!!"
Tom Spicer "I Bleed Green" Said:
Wed, January 21, 2009 - 1:04pm ET"I am so happy I might cry"
CEDRIC Said:
Wed, January 21, 2009 - 2:08pm ET"I punched my wall......my hand hurts....I'll punch it again every sunday. Thank you Rex."
Ray Said:
Wed, January 21, 2009 - 2:41pm ET"Cedric you crack me up! The master of the one liner."
Johnny Cool. Said:
Wed, January 21, 2009 - 2:55pm ET"Getting Ryan was huge. Even better if we can add some of those ravens players as well as pick up a tall, speedy receiver. I'd say we'd be in great shape."
Row Said:
Wed, January 21, 2009 - 4:16pm ET"I can't wait to see Ryan in someone's face for getting blocked by a RB or arm tackling. We will never have to see Lowery or Law at starting CB! "
CEDRIC Said:
Wed, January 21, 2009 - 5:10pm ET"Thanks Ray, I try. sometimes its too tense on this site."
ed Said:
Thu, January 22, 2009 - 12:28am ET"Please stop with the whining about Cox leaving....he did a miserable job with Ghoulston and how about the unproductive B. Thomas phenom????...Bye Bcox and good riddens....now let the Rexinator teach our LB's how to go after the meat!!!!!!!"
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chris m Said:
Tue, January 20, 2009 - 4:59pm ET"i mean no disrespect to coach Ryan but with all the talent out there for coaches we get a untried h/c ????? The h/c's that the Jets have had since Parcells have all been D/C's for other teams or in there history i know his dad was a great d/c but hew wasnt that great of a h/c yes he brought his team to the playoffs as a h/c but not the superbowl he went there as a d/c."
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