Don't be surprised if defensive coordinator Rex Ryan is named head coach of the New York Jets today. Ryan and the Jets are close to a deal, according to reports in several New York newspapers.
After the Ravens' 23-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC championship game last night, Ryan said he didn't have plans to meet with anyone today, but that was subject to change. He sounded like a coach who was prepared to say his goodbyes to a team he has coached for 10 years.
"I was blessed to be in this situation, being around John [Harbaugh] and Cam Cameron," said Ryan, who got emotional when talking to his players.
"Rex Ryan is going to be a great head coach in the National Football League," Harbaugh said. "If somebody is wise enough to make that decision here shortly, they will have a great head football coach. I just support him completely in that.
"He's a great friend. He's a great coach. I can't thank him enough for what he's done ... along with all the coaches. Cam [Cameron, offensive coordinator], Jerry [Rosberg, special teams coordinator], every single coach."
If Ryan leaves, look for him to take several Ravens coaches with him, including linebackers coach Mike Pettine, who would become the Jets' defensive coordinator.
Ryan also likes Ravens quarterbacks coach Hue Jackson, who would become the Jets' offensive coordinator. The only problem is Jackson could have more than one offer.
Jackson was once the Cincinnati Bengals' wide receivers coach and tutored Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer in college. Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis could be interested in Jackson becoming Cincinnati's offensive coordinator.
Suggs shoulders load
Terrell Suggs' playing status was in doubt right up until game time, but the Pro Bowl linebacker not only played but also led the Ravens in sacks with two. Suggs missed most of the second half of the divisional playoff game against the Tennessee Titans and did not practice in the week leading up to last night's game.
After the loss, Suggs said his shoulder bothered him at first but by the second half he was "prepared to leave [his] shoulder on the field."
Harbaugh said he was proud Suggs' effort.
"I don't know how he graded out or anything like that," Harbaugh said. "I thought he competed and fought through it really well, and that's what he's about. That's what our guys have been about throughout the course of the year. We had a lot of guys who played through stuff. Terrell Suggs is a courageous guy."
