Former Jets head coach Rex Ryan fired back at comparisons between he and Robert Saleh on Monday.
On 98.7 FM ESPN New York, Ryan told the “DiPietro & Rothenberg Show” the Jets defense is “horrible” and injuries are no excuse.
Adding, he “takes it personal” when people bring him up in the same sentence as New York’s first-year coach.
We asked Rex Ryan about the job that #Jets HC Robert Saleh is doing.
His response to @HDumpty39 & @RothenbergESPN is must-listen.
LISTEN: https://t.co/BEG6XM40uA. pic.twitter.com/cfmkjxLcA4
— DiPietro & Rothenberg (@DRonESPN) November 15, 2021
“Don’t ever compare this guy to me,” Ryan stated.
“This is a horrendous defense. Now they’re going to use ‘well, we never had our safety.’ So what! Everybody has a million injuries, let alone an above average safety you’re missing.”
The former defensive-minded coach continued, “I remember playing without five corners, it never looked like this. I think we’re fifth in the league that year in defense.”
Ryan told the hosts he takes the Saleh comparison personally.
“Everything I heard about was well, this guy’s a lot like myself, but without the bad part. Yeah, well, some of the bad part you need because this team doesn’t play with any damn heart.”
Rex’s spicy talk definitely got the NFL world buzzing, including Saleh himself.
Here’s Robert Saleh’s response to Rex Ryan on @TMKSESPN pic.twitter.com/Uf7BKPXksT
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) November 15, 2021
The Jets coach responded, “He knows where to find me.”
Robert Saleh, on @TMKSESPN, responds to Rex Ryan criticism. Saleh says he doesn’t know Rex, never met him, then adds: “Obviously, if it’s that personal for him, he knows where to find me.”
Surprised? “Nah, I’m not surprised by him. He’s always got something to say.” #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) November 15, 2021
Fans also chimed in on Ryan’s comments.
“Nobody loves Rex Ryan more than Rex Ryan,” one fan responded.
Nobody loves Rex Ryan more than Rex Ryan.
— Jaysweat (@Jaysweat__) November 15, 2021
“I knew what he was going to say before I even listened to the clip,” another added.
I knew what he was going to say before I even listened to the clip.
— Patrick Romain (@Paromain3333) November 15, 2021
“Rex is right,” a fan tweeted. “… Our coach who comes with a defensive pedigree is awful. No adjustments. Team is embarrassed on a weekly basis.”
Rex is right. While media is wrapped up into QB Nonsense our coach who comes with a defensive pedigree is awful. No adjustments. Team is embarrassed on weekly basis.
— bennettrobbins (@bennettrobbins1) November 15, 2021
Saleh and the Jets can only hope to get some positive momentum going against the division foe Dolphins on Sunday.
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