Although it appears that coach Rex Ryan will return to the Jets, one of the complicating factors is that several other teams could be interested in hiring him if he is let go, raising Ryan’s leverage as he seeks a contract extension.

According to a source, at least two teams with questionable head coaching situations would be interested in hiring Ryan, who has one year remaining on his contract with the Jets. In addition, two other teams would quickly move to hire him as a defensive coordinator if he were available.

“Rex isn’t going to be out of work long if the Jets let him go and they know it. The Jets let-ting him go could actually work out for him pretty nicely,” the source said.

While that could be seen as posturing by Ryan’s camp, many people around the league are impressed with the job Ryan has done making the Jets competitive this season despite inexperience and poor play at quarterback. The Jets were 7-8 entering the season finale at Miami. In addition, the Jets defense is vastly improved under Ryan, who has played a large role in picking the defensive talent.

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