MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- Observed and heard in the New York Jets' locker room after their 37-24 win over the Miami Dolphins:
• Rex Ryan was ecstatic with the victory, but he didn't want to discuss the future and said he didn't want to detract from the players and win. The likely-to-be-fired coach said he has yet to discuss his job status with owner Woody Johnson, who attended the game and made a brief appearance in the post-game locker room.
"It's not the appropriate time to talk about my situation," Ryan said. "Just understand, I'm not afraid of anything. I'm not afraid of what lies ahead, I can tell you that."
Ryan said he's "proud" to be the coach of the Jets. He refused to be drawn into a discussion on the ideal timeline -- i.e. when he'd like to know his fate.
"Last time I checked, I'm under contract," he said. "Whatever happens happens."
• Johnson, surrounded by his security detail and other management types, emerged from the locker room and walked briskly to a waiting car outside the stadium. He declined to stop for reporters and said, "Today is all about the players."
But Monday will be all about Johnson, who is expected to fire Ryan and general manager John Idzik. Look for Johnson to have a late-morning news conference to announce his plans for the future.
• The embattled Idzik was one of the last people out of the locker room; maybe he was hoping the reporters would be gone by then. They weren't. A grim-faced Idzik, who hasn't talked to the media since his infamous midseason news conference, walked quickly out of the stadium and offered no comment on reports he will be sacked.
"I'll get you guys later," he said.
• Ryan testimonials poured in from every corner of the locker room. Several players spoke of him in the past tense, then quickly added, "I mean, if he's gone ..." They know he's a goner, but their affinity for him is remarkable.
"He's probably the most resilient person I've ever been around," guard Willie Colon said. "His perseverance level is amazing. He never cracked. He always kept the fight. He always kept his chin up. It was an honor to play for him ... if he does go."
• Right tackle Breno Giacomini played for a player-friendly coach with the Seattle Seahawks (Pete Carroll) -- and won a Super Bowl -- but "Rex takes the cake, man. I don't want him to go anywhere. He's one of the reasons I came here. It was awesome."
• Wide receiver Jeremy Kerley sighed when it was mentioned that Sunday probably was Ryan's final game.
"It's tough, man. He's a class act," Kerley said. "I love Rex. I don't know if he knows it -- I think he kind of suspects it -- but this win was definitely for him."
• Linebacker Calvin Pace said Ryan is "built for this division. He's the guy you want when you're facing the Patriots, Dolphins and Bills. I think he's the perfect guy for New York. If the decision were up to me, he'd still be here. I pray for the best. It would be a sad day if [he's fired]."
