Brief

Rex Ryan reportedly eyes Maryland head‑coaching vacancy

The former Jets coach is reportedly in talks for the Terps job, according to a 247 Sports source.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 01 Nov 2026 02:54:06 GMT

Former NFL head coach Rex Ryan, now an ESPN analyst, is reportedly exploring a return to coaching at the college level, with the University of Maryland’s vacant head‑coaching job as his target, the New York Post reported.

Ryan, 63, has not coached since the Buffalo Bills dismissed him in 2016, but he spent a decade living near College Park while serving as a position coach and defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. The Maryland job opened after the school fired Mike Locksley following a 12‑game losing streak and a 37‑30 loss to Rutgers.

Jeff Ermann of 247 Sports is cited as saying Ryan’s familiarity with the area and his “Deion‑level buzz” could revitalize the program. Ryan’s last college stint was as Oklahoma’s defensive coordinator in 1998, and his NFL record includes a 61‑66 overall mark and two AFC Championship appearances with the Jets.

Key facts

Rex Ryan is reportedly interested in the University of Maryland head‑coaching job. (nypost.com)
Maryland fired head coach Mike Locksley after a 12‑game losing streak and a loss to Rutgers. (nypost.com)
Ryan last coached in college in 1998 as defensive coordinator at Oklahoma. (nypost.com)