New York Jets fire head coach Rex Ryan

Houston, Dec 31 (IANS/EFE)

The New York Jets, American football team, have fired head coach Rex Ryan and general manager John Idzik.

The move was widely expected as the Jets struggled in a season that ended with a disappointing 4-12 record.

"After extensive thought and reflection about the current state of our football team, this morning I informed Rex Ryan and John Idzik that they will not be returning for the 2015 season," Jets owner Woody Johnson said a day after New York beat the Miami Dolphins 37-24 on the road.

The 52-year-old Ryan earlier indicated that he expected to be fired at the end of the regular season.

Ryan won only 18 of his last 51 games with the Jets, compiling a 46-50 record during his six seasons with the team.

Ryan, known for his prowess as a defensive coordinator, led the Jets to the AFC Championship Game during his first two seasons with the team, but New York failed to advance to the Super Bowl.

The Jets are not the only team going in a different direction for the 2015 season.

The Chicago Bears fired head coach Marc Trestman and general manager Phil Emery after going 5-11 this season.

The 58-year-old Trestman, who joined the Bears in 2013, finished with a record of 13-19.