NEW YORK -- Rex Ryan went from the hot seat to some job security. Scott Hartnell Jersey . Well, at least through the next two seasons. The New York Jets signed the popular coach to a contract extension Thursday, removing the lame duck label from Ryan and keeping him with the franchise through the 2015 season -- and possibly beyond. The team announced the extension for Ryan, who had one year remaining on his contract, but provided no further details regarding the length of the deal or financial terms. ESPN, which first reported the deal, said it is a multiyear extension that contains incentives based on playoff victories. Ryan is 4-2 in the post-season with the Jets, including consecutive trips to the AFC championship game in his first two seasons, but New York hasnt made the playoffs in three years. "I know what we all want and were striving to get there," Ryan said in a statement issued by the team. "But its not about me. Were already into our off-season planning. There are a lot of areas where we can improve and we cant wait to get this thing rolling." Ryan was retained by owner Woody Johnson for next season after his job appeared in jeopardy. Expectations were extremely low outside the team entering this season, but Ryan led the Jets to a surprising 8-8 finish that had players and fans clamouring for Johnson and general manager John Idzik to keep the coach. Johnson, who announced after the season-ending win at Miami that Ryan would be back, rewarded him with the extension and removed the spectre of him heading into next season without a contract beyond this year. Ryan is 42-38 in the regular season in his five years with the Jets. "Im no different than any of our fans," Ryan said. "Im an ordinary guy thats been given an unbelievable opportunity. Ive said all along: Im glad to be a Jet. Im happy to be a Jet. Thats never changed." Despite the extension, Ryan wouldnt necessarily be guaranteed to return after next season or 2015 if the Jets continue to miss the post-season. For now, though, the idea that Ryan could be around for at least two more seasons could help recruit free agents, and the Jets are expected to be a major player this off-season since they will be comfortably under the salary cap. It might also help Ryan with settling his coaching staff, especially after losing special teams co-ordinator Ben Kotwica to Washington and linebackers coach Brian VanGorder to Notre Dame as the schools defensive co-ordinator. Several other assistant coaches, including defensive line coach Karl Dunbar, have expiring deals. Ryan faced an uncertain future last off-season after the Jets went 6-10, but Johnson retained the coach and fired general manager Mike Tannenbaum. The team hired Idzik as general manager, with Ryan already in place, and it had been speculated that Idzik could want to hire a coach of his choice this off-season. During a news conference to wrap up the season two days after finishing 8-8, the two gushed about their working relationship. "Rex and I have worked well since I got here and have the same vision for this football team," Idzik said in a statement. "As I have stated before, he is a phenomenal teacher and motivator. We are fortunate to have him as our head coach." The Jets opened 5-4 and as one of the NFLs most surprising teams led by rookie quarterback Geno Smith heading into their bye-week break, but they set an NFL record by alternating wins and losses through their first 10 games. A three-game skid sent New York from controlling its playoff fate to barely in the post-season picture. After the Jets were eliminated, there were serious questions as to whether Ryan would be retained. But there was an uncommonly overwhelming amount of support for Ryan with fans, players and ex-players taking to social media to state their case as to why he should stay. Ryan and Idzik will now look forward to shaping next seasons team with plenty of issues to consider, starting with the quarterback situation. The Jets will have to determine whether Smith has a chance to be their quarterback of the future, and whether theyll draft another player to compete with him or sign a proven veteran. New York will likely part ways with injured quarterback Mark Sanchez and wide receiver Santonio Holmes and possibly cornerback Antonio Cromartie to save money on the salary cap, and there are several potential key free agents, including right tackle Austin Howard, right guard Willie Colon and kicker Nick Folk. Ryan now gets a chance to build off the surprising performance of his team and try to make good on that Super Bowl title he boldly guaranteed when he was hired in 2009. "The front office, coaches, players, this entire organization -- were all in this together," Idzik said. "We are all governed by the same motives and that is to build a perennial winner here with the Jets." Derek Stepan Jersey . His body might have other ideas. The quarterback was scheduled to undergo an MRI on his left foot on Monday after injuring the foot on Pittsburghs final drive in Sundays 17-10 loss to Houston. Jarome Iginla Jersey . - Adam Scott didnt have to look as far down the leaderboard to find players who suddenly are a real threat to win at Bay Hill.MONTREAL – The perseverance of Marty St. Louis continued to shine and inspire his teammates in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals as St. Louis scored 4:35 into the game and added an assist in a 7-2 Rangers win that gave New York a 1-0 series lead over the Montreal Canadiens. Ryan McDonagh tied a team record for most points by a defenseman in a playoff game with a goal and three assists but the rallying cry around St. Louis in his time of need also served as a major factor in the Rangers fourth straight win. "Its been an emotional time for everybody but the guys have been behind me and supporting me," St. Louis said after Game 1. "Their effort is unbelievable. We feel really close right now and were trying to keep feeding off that." Since his mother passed away suddenly on May 8, Rangers forward Marty St. Louis has found solace in the shelter of his team and hockey. With his team trailing 3-1 in their second round series with the Penguins, St. Louis decided to keep playing and while he didnt register any points in their 5-1 victory that night, his presence served as an inspiration that got even greater when he scored in their Game 6 win on Mothers Day. Since his mothers passing, St. Louis now has two goals and two assists and the team is feeding off his strength. "Its been a week of emotions," said goalie Henrik Lundqvist who made 20 savves in Game 1. ED Belfour Jersey. "Playing in the playoffs is so intense; you try to perform at a high level. At the same time a teammate trying to go through a rough time, so you try to be there as a support, and it makes you think a lot about a lot of things, not only hockey. So you go back and forth. Pay attention to your game and what you need to do, and obviously, other things are important in your life. But I think as a group in dealing with it the right way, we come together and work for one another, and you could see that in the Pittsburgh series. Games 5, 6 and 7, we played really well as a team, and we were on the same page. I think tonight we started the game really well. We set the tone the way we were playing and played just a smart game." On Friday night the wake for St. Louis mom was held in nearby Laval and the 38 year-old veteran didnt return to the team hotel until almost midnight. On Sunday, the team will accompany St. Louis to the funeral. "Its been very emotional for our whole group," head coach Alain Vigneault said following the game. "Hes handled it in an incredible way that probably has helped our team come closer together. Tomorrow is going to be a tough day for our group but we need to be there to support him." James Murphy is the host of Murphys Hockey Law Radio Show on Sirius/XM NHL Network Radio wholesale nfl jerseyswholesale jerseys ' ' '
