Report: Rex Ryan prefers firing if Jets owner won't spend on offensive changes

The Jets reportedly have not assured Rex Ryan's return in 2013. (Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Jets coach Rex Ryan would welcome being fired if owner Woody Johnson will not commit to paying for a remodeled offense in 2013, according to a New York Daily News report.

Sources told The Daily News that Ryan has intimated to "anyone who will listen" that he would prefer being fired if Johnson will not invest in offensive roster changes and most likely replacing offensive coordinator Tony Sparano with a new play-caller.

The Daily News reported that the team has not guaranteed Ryan's return internally with one game left and the Jets a disappointing 6-9. Sparano has been linked to rumors of his firing amidst the Jets' offensive woes. Both decisions could boil down to whether or not Johnson wants to eat those contracts, while spending more for new coaches. If Johnson fires Ryan, he will owe him two years and more than $6 million on his remaining contract.

“If Woody’s not willing to do what it takes to fix the team, then (Ryan) knows he’s better off being fired,” a team source said. “If Woody is willing to eat some money and spend to get us out of this mess, then it’s worth staying.”

"The million-dollar question is how much dead money is Woody willing to absorb for 2013 with front office, coaches and players?” a league source familiar with the situation said. “If Woody’s not willing to spend, then (Ryan) would want out. He’d be a lame duck. Anybody would want out.”

Sources told the Daily News that Ryan isn't prepared to resign if the owner doesn't make the changes he's recommending.

“He won’t quit,” a team official said.