ESPN star Rex Ryan has been branded as “embarrassing” after going on a wild rant on live TV.
Ryan, who has worked on the broadcaster since April 2017, did not sugarcoat his verdict when discussing the Miami Dolphins‘ Week 1 defeat to the Indianapolis Colts.
Rex Ryan on Mike McDaniel: “McGenius guy or whatever the hell he is, nerd boy. Their team has no respect for their coach, they play like that… they’re soft, every part of their football team.” (@GetUpESPN) #PhinsUp pic.twitter.com/FOJZN1mQLr
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) September 8, 2025
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel was labelled ‘nerd boy’ by Rex Ryan on ESPN[/caption]
But the stunning rant was labelled ’embarrassing’ by a senior sports journalist[/caption]
The Dolphins fell to a humbling 33-8 defeat on the opening day of the season.
Under Mike McDaniel, who has been head coach at the franchise since 2022, the Dolphins found themselves 23-0 going into the final quarter before managing to muster a reply of any kind.
Speaking after the game, McDaniel, 42, said: “I don’t see this job void of pressure.
“I don’t see entitlement in this job, but I think the most important thing is that I worry about doing my job.
“I think that’s what the team will get from me, for sure.”
But during ESPN’s Get Up show on Monday, old-school pundit Ryan had some choice words for both the players and the coach, including a stunning nickname.
He blasted: “What the hell’s he talking about? You know, maybe he’s on a different level, McGenius Guy, whatever the hell he is. Nerd boy.
“But anyway, their team has no respect for their coach. They play like that. They’re soft, I’m with you on that.
“Every part of their football team. They have tons of talent on this team. They don’t play with any passion.”
However, the former New York Jets and Buffalo Bills head coach’s comments did not go down well with everyone.
The Athletic’s senior writer, Andrew Marchand, addressed the remarks on social media.
He said: “Embarrassing from Rex.”
But more fans seemed to side with Ryan than with Marchand.
One responded: “Why? He’s right.”
A second said: “He’s right though. How is this embarrassing? McDaniel’s style of coaching is embarrassing and cringe.”
A third added: “Rex may be a clown…but hard to argue with what they were saying on this take. The crew chimed in and added that they are soft.”
Another said: “Uh no. Truth hurts pal.”
The Dolphins face the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium in Week 2 and will be hoping to put in a much better performance than last time out.
Like the Dolphins, the Patriots are also winless after losing 20-13 to the Las Vegas Raiders after a third-quarter disaster which saw them drop ten points without reply.
