Not that this is a huge shocker after Rex Ryan was fired following two seasons with the Buffalo Bill, but he’s not exactly a fan of the franchise these days.
In fact, he came across as pretty bitter in his first interview since being tossed aside two days after Christmas. He set the stage to express his feelings in the interview with Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News by talking about how he was all-in with the Bills.
“I put that truck around town. I was all-in. Even though those other three had quit, I wasn’t a quitter. I was ready. And I wanted to be there. And I wanted to win. And I thought I could win.”
In case you never saw it or forgot what it looked like, here’s a shot of Ryan’s truck during his tenure with the Bills.
Rex Ryans new truck love it GO BUFFALO @buffalobills #BILLSMAFIA pic.twitter.com/9JEwF5d88k
— drew (@Bufftackett12) February 26, 2015
It didn’t take long for Ryan to change his colors, so to speak, after he was fired.
“Let me tell you, I stripped that damn truck the day I got fired,” Ryan added with a laugh. “(Expletive) you guys.”
For #bills fans wondering, Rex Ryan parked next to me, the bills wrap on the truck is gone. It's now this: pic.twitter.com/D78bLcRBpk
— BrandonWNY (@BrandonWNY) January 16, 2017
When asked if he wishes the Bills well, Ryan responded in typical Ryan fashion.
“I don’t wish them bad will,” Ryan said of the Bills. “I don’t. But I don’t wish them luck, either. I’ll be honest: I don’t wish them good luck. I don’t wish them bad luck. I just don’t wish them luck. I wish the Jets luck.”
That said, Ryan claims he is not bitter, even though he sure comes across as a guy who’s at least slightly bitter.
“I’m really not that bitter and maybe that $15 million is one of the reasons,” he said. “I’m not bitter, man. … Yeah, I’m hurt. I was hurt by it. There’s no question. But bitter ain’t how I feel. I’m like, ‘Shoot, if they never wanted me here, then fine. I ain’t here. I’m not your coach anymore. Fine and dandy.’ But I got an opportunity in front of me that a lot of guys don’t get. I’m going to see where it takes me.”
The opportunity Ryan mentions is his new gig as an analyst for ESPN during Super Bowl LI. Many figured a move into television was the best career path for the loquacious coach, as his strong opinions and football knowledge are a potent combination on the small screen.
Just don’t count on him having a ton of positive things to say about the Bills, if he’s put in a position to talk about his former team.