New York Jets coach Rex Ryan was voted the most overrated coach in the NFL, according to an anonymous midseason players poll conducted by Sporting News.
Of the 103 players from 27 teams who were polled, 35 voted for Ryan. New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick finished second with 16 votes, while Philadelphia Eagles Andy Reid finished third with nine votes.
“His coaching style is over the top,” an AFC offensive player told Sporting News. “Some of the things he does in front of the cameras are way over the top. You put that with the New York media and he has a pretty big reputation, I guess.
“I don’t even know if you’d call him overrated anymore because it’s gonna be a couple of years since he was in the AFC finals. He’s pretty funny, and he’s a pretty good coach. But not THAT good.”
Ryan, known for his bravado and failed Super Bowl guarantees, led the Jets to two consecutive AFC Championship Game berths in his first two seasons at the helm. But the team missed the playoffs in 2011, and is on pace to miss them again in 2012.
Coming into the season, Ryan said he felt his team had a chance to be the best Jets team he’s ever had since taking over the reins in 2009. But halfway into the season, the Jets are just 3-5, tied for last place in the AFC East Division with the Buffalo Bills.
Players who participated in the poll were not allowed to vote for their own coach.
