Updated

The New York Jets have signed coach Rex Ryan to a contract extension, removing the lame duck label and keeping him with the franchise for at least the next two years.

Ryan, who had one year remaining on his contract, 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 clamoring for Johnson and general manager John Idzik to keep the coach.

Ryan was rewarded Thursday with the extension, removing the specter of him heading into next season without a contract beyond 2014. Ryan is 42-38 in the regular season over five years, and 4-2 in the postseason.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org