Brash. Cocky. Arrogant. They all have been used to describe Jets coach Rex Ryan. But to Nets coach Avery Johnson, the word that best suits Ryan — as well as his close NFL pal, Saints coach Sean Payton — is confident.
Johnson heard Ryan’s bold predictions and understands they don’t necessarily add pressure, but can display a coach’s faith. Every case is different, though.
“It depends on the personnel and the team,” Johnson said. “I’ve said different things about my team in my first stint, but I knew the personality of my team. So I could go out there and say, ‘Barring injury, guys, we’re going to win 60 games’ because I knew the personality of the team. I think Rex knows his team’s personality.”
Johnson might or might not watch the Jets battle the Steelers in the AFC Championship tonight. He admits much of his NFL interest died when his beloved hometown Saints and friend Payton were eliminated. Johnson and Payton became friends in Dallas. Johnson was coaching the Mavericks, and Payton was the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator.
“Then when he got the [Saints] job, I was his first guest speaker and we just forged that relationship,” said Johnson, who has watched Payton’s coaching approach. “It’s more about management styles — what management style fits your personality the best and your team. Now Sean talks a lot. He doesn’t do it a lot publicly, but if you were in one of his practices, his guys are pretty confident.
“And then, you’ve got Drew Brees and that makes things a lot easier.”
Johnson said he sees the same traits in Ryan.
“Everybody has their own style and his style works for him,” Johnson said. “He’s been pretty successful with it. They’ve won two big games, two big wins and to do it on the road is very impressive.
“He has a young quarterback, terrific defense,” he said. “He’s been a really good defensive coach his whole career. I guess it runs in the family.”