Report: Rex Ryan in line to return as Jets coach

The Jets have missed the playoffs in each of the last three seasons under Rex Ryan. (Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) Failing to secure a playoff berth in each of

The Jets have missed the playoffs in each of the last three seasons under Rex Ryan. (Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Failing to secure a playoff berth in each of the last three seasons has left Rex Ryan's future as Jets head coach in doubt. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Ryan is in line to return to the Jets in 2014, though a contract extension remains uncertain.

Jets owner Woody Johnson has consistently backed Ryan, but the coach's relationship with and value to first-year general manager John Idzik have come into question. Those hurdles may have have been removed this week, according to Schefter. Even at 7-8, this year's Jets team has exceeded most expectations and Ryan's relationship with Idzik appears strong.

The two men, Ryan and Idzik, were among the last two people in the Jets' training facility late Friday night. Although a meeting on Ryan's status could not be confirmed, a source said that their presence together in the facility was not accidental.

Besides the coach/GM relationship and Ryan's contract status, another issue facing the Jets is that at least a half dozen assistant coaches, including defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman, are working on expiring contracts. Those issues still need to be addressed and worked through, according to sources.

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