Rex Ryan jokes about Chargers' job
New York Jets coach Rex Ryan watches during the first quarter of the Jets' NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins. (Oct. 17, 2011) Credit: AP
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Rex Ryan was at it again Wednesday, taking a playful poke at Norv Turner and the Chargers in his typical fashion.
Ryan interviewed for San Diego's coaching job in 2007 after the Chargers fired Marty Schottenheimer, but general manager A.J. Smith elected to go with Turner. So when asked on a conference call with San Diego media if he pondered how different things would have been if he were hired, Ryan offered up a little tweak.
"Well, I think I would've had a couple rings," he said with a laugh. "I'm telling you, those teams were loaded. There's no question about it. But things happen for a reason."
San Diego has been a postseason disappointment during the first four years of Turner's tenure, losing twice in the AFC divisional round and once in the AFC title game. A Jets spokesman said Ryan phoned Turner immediately after the call to let him know he wasn't trying to slight him.
"I hadn't seen his quote and I was a little bit surprised by the call," Turner told reporters in San Diego. "And then after I saw the quote, I didn't have a chance to ask him this, but I was wondering if he had those rings with the ones he's guaranteed the last couple of years."
Ryan actually went on to praise the Chargers, Turner and Smith. "Obviously, Norv Turner has done a great job there, and A.J. and everybody," Ryan said. "That's a great franchise. He probably was the best guy for the job at that time. I think with me, I was so happy that A.J. gave me the opportunity to interview in San Diego because quite honestly, I wasn't on anybody's radar."
Revis impresses Rivers
Darrelle Revis didn't need to be named the AFC's defensive player of the week -- which was the case Wednesday -- for Philip Rivers to gush about the All-Pro cornerback.
"I think he's a great player," Rivers said. "There is no doubt in that, so I think you have to have respect for him and you have to be smart."
Krumenacker honored
Farmingdale's Buddy Krumenacker was named the Jets' high school coach of the week.
