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Buffalo Bills introduce Rex Ryan as head coach

By Cory Buck

Credit: Buffalo News Sports
Credit: Buffalo News Sports /
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Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula introduced the 18th head coach in team history, Rex Ryan, in their first press conference.

After taking a year off from feeding the press with sumptuous quotes on a weekly basis, former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan is back at it as the head coach of the Buffalo Bills. In the team’s introductory press conference, Ryan had plenty to say about his new home, and a few choice words for his old home.

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Ryan promised fans that he’s learned from his mistakes in New York. “I’m a different man now than I was six years ago as a coach,” Ryan said per WGR 550.

He even admitted that he was “embarrassed” when the team fired him. “I’ve never been fired before,” Ryan noted, then saying it was “personal”.

But he’s already beyond the Jets. In fact, when he was asked if he was looking forward to getting back at his old team, Ryan paused then said, “It’s still the Patriots I want most.”

Beyond that, it was all about Ryan’s excitement to be the next coach of the Buffalo Bills. “I am not going to let Bills fans down,” Ryan said.

While many speculated Ryan preferred the Atlanta Falcons, Rex refuted that talk, noting that the talent on Buffalo’s defense plays right into his strength, some much so that he casually predicted they’d have the best defense in the NFL next year.

That’s hardly unfounded. The Bills have tallied more sacks than any team over the last two seasons, which is a godsend for the blitz-happy Ryan. The team also sports physical defensive backs who will revel in Ryan’s press schemes.

Despite the confidence and apparent fit in the defense, Rex wouldn’t go so far as to make the same Super Bowl predictions he made when he arrived in New York. “I can guarantee the pursuit of the Super Bowl,” Ryan hedged.

He did however feel better about making the playoffs.”I know it’s been 15 years since Buffalo has made the playoffs, but get ready cuz we’re going.”

The Bills finished 9-7 last season on the heels of a great defense, but ultimately were let down by a rudderless offense.

The offense is so lacking at quarterback right now that Ryan was asked if the team would consider his old running mate, Mark Sanchez, who will be a free agent this offseason. Ryan was predictably political in his answer, saying the team would pursuit all possible avenues of improvement.

In all, Rex spoke like a guy who’s excited to be back in the game. “This is my last chance,” Rex said repeatedly of his new job. “This is the only chance I need, but this is my last chance.”

That may or may not be true, but we’ll have a few years at least to see how Rex Ryan turns around the Bills as they stand at the precipice of playoff contention.

[H/T WGR 550 for full audio]

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