Rex Ryan had an awesome exit plan for Jets players

Former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan left his players with a memorable exit.

New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan was fired Monday morning by owner Woody Johnson after six tumultuous seasons at the helm.

Despite his recent struggles, Ryan was beloved by most of the media in New York, and more importantly, the players loved having him around the team. 

But with his tenure in New York over, it was time for Ryan – never at a loss for words as a coach – to say goodbye to the players that he cared for so much.

In likely one of the more memorable farewells made by a coach, Ryan showed, rather than told, his players his appreciation for them. 

Jets players saw a video of Rex's time with the team this morning. He thanked everyone in the organization before he left #nyj

— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaSports) December 29, 2014

Rex told his players that he had spoken so much thru the years. Now, he wanted to leave his players with images of them making plays for him

— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaSports) December 29, 2014

Then, Rex simply said thank you and left the building. That is tremendous. #nyj

— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaSports) December 29, 2014

Rex Ryan's final words to his team before he left this morning: "Thanks for the memories." #nyj

— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaSports) December 29, 2014

Rex Ryan's farewell was an Irish goodbye. He actually said thanks for the memories and walked out before the video even started. #nyj

— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaSports) December 29, 2014

Well played, Rex. Well played. 

- Jack Jorgensen