ORCHARD PARK, NY – The Buffalo Bills today announced that Rex Ryan has been named the 18th head coach in team history.

Bills owner Terry Pegula said, "Following an extensive search, we are pleased today to announce that Rex Ryan is our new head coach. Rex brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the position that we feel will be a tremendous benefit to our players and the entire Bills organization. He was very impressive during the interview process, as were many of the candidates to which we spoke, and we feel Rex is the best fit for our team. We look forward to his leadership and expertise in directing our team to the playoffs and bringing a championship to Buffalo for our fans."

Ryan, 52, joins the Bills after spending the last six seasons as the head coach for the New York Jets. 2015 will mark Ryan's 19th season in the National Football League.

Ryan ranked third in Jets history with 50 wins (regular season and postseason) during his tenure in New York. His 4-2 record in the postseason was the best in franchise history. Ryan led the Jets to the postseason in his first two seasons with the franchise in 2009 and 2010 as the team advanced to the AFC Championship game in both postseason appearances.

From 2009-2014, the Jets ranked first in the NFL in passing yards allowed (204.3), opponent completion percentage (55.7), opponent first downs (1,667), and yards allowed per defensive play (4.9). The Jets ranked second in total yards allowed per game (306.9).

Prior to joining the Jets, Ryan coached on the Baltimore Ravens' defensive staff. In 2000, he served as the defensive line coach for the Super Bowl XXXV Champion Baltimore Ravens. Ryan spent his final four seasons in Baltimore as the defensive coordinator where the Ravens finished second (2008), sixth (2007), first (2006) and fifth (2005) in total defense. In 2006, Baltimore allowed only 201 points and 264 yards per game as Ryan was named NFL Assistant Coach of the Year by Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writers Association.

Ryan was born in Ardmore, OK. He and his wife, Michelle, have two sons, Payton, named for Walter Payton, and Seth.