Rex Ryan hasn’t coached the New York Jets in over a decade, but that didn’t stop Robert Kraft from taking a playful jab at his longtime rival.
The Patriots owner appeared on ESPN’s pregame coverage ahead of New England’s AFC Division game against the Houston Texans. He sat between former Patriots players Randy Moss and Tedy Bruschi, but took a moment to say something to Ryan.
“I also say this gentleman over here who was the coach of the New York Jets. It’s good to be with you,” Kraft said. “We always loved to see that smile, and then we did our best to take it away.”
Ryan replied: “You weren’t kicking anybody’s butt more than you did mine as a coach.”
“Yours was my favorite,” Kraft said.
Ryan went 3-9 against the Patriots during his time with the Jets. While with the Bills, he went 1-3.
The 63-year-old interviewed to return to his former Jets team ahead of the 2025 season, but they went with Aaron Glenn instead.