NEW YORK -- Rex Ryan went from the hot seat to some job security.
Martin Prado Jersey . Well, at least through the next two seasons. The New York Jets signed the popular coach to a contract
extension Thursday, removing the lame duck label from Ryan and keeping him with
the franchise through the 2015 season -- and possibly beyond. The team announced
the extension for Ryan, who had one year remaining on his contract, but provided
no further details regarding the length of the deal or financial terms. ESPN,
which first reported the deal, said it is a multiyear extension that contains
incentives based on playoff victories. Ryan is 4-2 in the post-season with the
Jets, including consecutive trips to the AFC championship game in his first two
seasons, but New York hasnt made the playoffs in three years. "I know what we
all want and were striving to get there," Ryan said in a statement issued by the
team. "But its not about me. Were already into our off-season planning. There
are a lot of areas where we can improve and we cant wait to get this thing
rolling." Ryan was retained by owner Woody Johnson for next season after his job
appeared in jeopardy. Expectations were extremely low outside the team entering
this season, but Ryan led the Jets to a surprising 8-8 finish that had players
and fans clamouring for Johnson and general manager John Idzik to keep the
coach. Johnson, who announced after the season-ending win at Miami that Ryan
would be back, rewarded him with the extension and removed the spectre of him
heading into next season without a contract beyond this year. Ryan is 42-38 in
the regular season in his five years with the Jets. "Im no different than any of
our fans," Ryan said. "Im an ordinary guy thats been given an unbelievable
opportunity. Ive said all along: Im glad to be a Jet. Im happy to be a Jet.
Thats never changed." Despite the extension, Ryan wouldnt necessarily be
guaranteed to return after next season or 2015 if the Jets continue to miss the
post-season. For now, though, the idea that Ryan could be around for at least
two more seasons could help recruit free agents, and the Jets are expected to be
a major player this off-season since they will be comfortably under the salary
cap. It might also help Ryan with settling his coaching staff, especially after
losing special teams co-ordinator Ben Kotwica to Washington and linebackers
coach Brian VanGorder to Notre Dame as the schools defensive co-ordinator.
Several other assistant coaches, including defensive line coach Karl Dunbar,
have expiring deals. Ryan faced an uncertain future last off-season after the
Jets went 6-10, but Johnson retained the coach and fired general manager Mike
Tannenbaum. The team hired Idzik as general manager, with Ryan already in place,
and it had been speculated that Idzik could want to hire a coach of his choice
this off-season. During a news conference to wrap up the season two days after
finishing 8-8, the two gushed about their working relationship. "Rex and I have
worked well since I got here and have the same vision for this football team,"
Idzik said in a statement. "As I have stated before, he is a phenomenal teacher
and motivator. We are fortunate to have him as our head coach." The Jets opened
5-4 and as one of the NFLs most surprising teams led by rookie quarterback Geno
Smith heading into their bye-week break, but they set an NFL record by
alternating wins and losses through their first 10 games. A three-game skid sent
New York from controlling its playoff fate to barely in the post-season picture.
After the Jets were eliminated, there were serious questions as to whether Ryan
would be retained. But there was an uncommonly overwhelming amount of support
for Ryan with fans, players and ex-players taking to social media to state their
case as to why he should stay. Ryan and Idzik will now look forward to shaping
next seasons team with plenty of issues to consider, starting with the
quarterback situation. The Jets will have to determine whether Smith has a
chance to be their quarterback of the future, and whether theyll draft another
player to compete with him or sign a proven veteran. New York will likely part
ways with injured quarterback Mark Sanchez and wide receiver Santonio Holmes and
possibly cornerback Antonio Cromartie to save money on the salary cap, and there
are several potential key free agents, including right tackle Austin Howard,
right guard Willie Colon and kicker Nick Folk. Ryan now gets a chance to build
off the surprising performance of his team and try to make good on that Super
Bowl title he boldly guaranteed when he was hired in 2009. "The front office,
coaches, players, this entire organization -- were all in this together," Idzik
said. "We are all governed by the same motives and that is to build a perennial
winner here with the Jets."
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toward the end of training on Tuesday.LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Chicago Bears safety
Chris Conte had shoulder surgery in late March and will likely be out at least
until the start of training camp, the team said Thursday. The expected recovery
period is four to five months. Conte started all 16 games for the first time in
his career last season, but struggled along with just about everyone else on
defence. His worst moment was when he failed to lock onto Green Bays
Randall Cobb in the closing minute of the final game. That led to a wide-open
47-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers on fourth down that gave the Packers a
33-28 victory and kept Chicago out of the playoffs. The Bears have been
overhauling their defence, releasing defensive end Julius Peppers and signing
Jared Allen to replace him.
Dee Gordon Jersey. Theyve also made several moves at safety, re-signing Craig Steltz and bringing in Ryan Mundy from the New
York Giants, M.D. Jennings from Green Bay, and Danny McCray from Dallas. "I know
Im going to have to compete for my position on this team," Conte told the teams
website. "I am prepared to do that and felt having this surgery was the best way
to be 100 per cent healthy and be the best player I can possibly be." The Bears
also re-signed offensive tackle Eben Britton to a one-year contract on Thursday.
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