John Idzik is expected to be fired by the New York Jets after two years as the team's general manager but Rex Ryan's fate as coach possibly could be decided by the GM who replaces Idzik, according to league sources.
Jets owner Woody Johnson declined comment after his team's 37-24 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. A team official says that Johnson has not internally revealed any decisions he is prepared to make.
Ryan cleaned out his desk this week at the Jets headquarters but sources say he has not been told he is out as the team's coach despite his belief he is done.
While Johnson ultimately could make that decision, one source said the owner remains fond of Ryan and would prefer that Idzik's replacement make the call on the coach. The source did speculate that Ryan could try to persuade Johnson not to leave him in a state of indecision.
Ryan evaded questions about his future after the Jets' 37-24 win over the Miami Dolphins. He said he hasn't spoken to Johnson about his future.
When asked if he'd like to know his fate Monday, Ryan said, "You know, I guess.
"I don't think it's the appropriate time to talk about my situation," he said. "Just understand that I'm not afraid of anything. I'm not afraid of what lies ahead. I can tell you that."
The postgame scene was a stark contrast to last Dec. 29, when Johnson sparked a raucous locker room celebration by announcing to the team that Ryan would return in 2014. This time, Johnson walked briskly out of the locker room, declining to comment. He's expected to hold a news conference Monday, when he will announce the changes.
"Woody will talk to me when he feels it's the appropriate time," Ryan said. "We'll find out in due time. We'll find out. Whenever that is, I think we generally know when these things happen."
Ryan didn't want to comment on the possibility of a new general manager deciding his fate. Obviously, that would prolong the process, hurting his chances of landing another coaching position. He told CBS announcers Saturday in a production meeting he wouldn't be interested in going back to being a defensive coordinator.
"I'm proud to be the coach of the Jets. There's no question about that," he said. "Last time I checked I am under contract, so, you know, whatever happens happens. We'll see how it all plays out."
Idzik also declined to comment, walking away from reporters as he exited the stadium after Sunday's win.
"I'll get you guys later," he said.
Aside from Idzik's imminent ouster, Johnson is also considering other changes in the personnel department, sources said.
To help, former Packers general manager Ron Wolf is joining the Jets as a consultant in the likely event that the team is searching for a new coach and/or GM, a league source said. Johnson had already lined up former Redskins and Texans GM Charley Casserly as a consultant.
Casserly reached out to Wolf last week. Both men are highly respected in NFL circles. Wolf actually worked as the Jets' personnel director in 1990-91 under GM Dick Steinberg. Wolf is best known for rebuilding the Packers and winning a Super Bowl in Green Bay.
The Jets beat the Dolphins in what could end up being Ryan's finale as coach. Embattled quarterback Geno Smith had his best game in a rocky season, throwing for a career-high 358 yards and three touchdowns as the Jets finished with a 4-12 record.
ESPN.com's Rich Cimini contributed to this report.