HBO wants the Jets to be featured again on “Hard Knocks” but they have run into an unexpected obstacle: Rex Ryan.
League sources tell FOX Sports that owner Woody Johnson wants his team back on the HBO hit show and has communicated that to the network. But his outspoken head coach is against the project.
Ryan, according to sources, does not want any more of a circus-type atmosphere around the Jets after last season’s locker room issues and late-season collapse, followed by the recent trade for Tim Tebow.
Jets drama in 2010 made the show a must-watch, featuring Ryan’s foul mouth and star cornerback Darrelle Revis’ holdout.
Johnson sees incredible value in doing the show, always seeking attention for his team in a market that the Super Bowl champion Giants still own. Johnson would like to dominate the New York headlines in August, a month usually devoted to baseball.
Before reaching out to the Jets, HBO wanted Peyton Manning and the Broncos to be on “Hard Knocks,” but were denied.
If Ryan wins the power struggle, HBO has interest in featuring both the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens to focus on the team’s coaches, brothers Jim and John Harbaugh.