Former NFL head coach Rex Ryan surrendered to Nashville police on Wednesday morning following an incident where he allegedly struck two pedestrians with his pickup truck on Thursday, Nov. 5. The pedestrians sustained minor injuries in the collision, as stated in the police report.
The Incident in Downtown Nashville
The event took place shortly before midnight on Thursday as the two victims crossed Broadway and 4th Avenue with a walk signal active. Ryan, 63, allegedly executed a right turn from 4th Avenue and ran over the feet of both individuals, with his truck additionally making contact with one person’s leg.
The pedestrians reported that the vehicle continued moving after hitting them before halting at a red light located at Broadway and Representative John Lewis Way. The victims then signaled Ryan down, prompting the former coach to exit his vehicle and engage in an argument with them before returning to the truck and driving off. The pedestrians captured photographs of the vehicle and its license plate, which authorities confirmed was registered to Ryan.
Charges and Coaching Background
Following his surrender on Wednesday morning, Ryan faced two counts of leaving the scene of an accident, two counts of failure to give information and render aid, and two counts of failure to obey a traffic control device. A judicial commissioner established Ryan’s bond at $6,000.
Ryan’s final stint as an NFL head coach concluded in 2016 with the Buffalo Bills. He commenced his professional coaching career in 1994 as a defensive line and linebackers coach for the Arizona Cardinals, later building a reputation as a prominent defensive strategist. He spent a significant portion of his career with Baltimore, joining as a defensive line coach in 1999, being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2005 through 2008, and subsequently accepting the head coaching position with the New York Jets.
During his tenure in Baltimore, Ryan served on the coaching staff for the team’s Super Bowl XXXV championship victory. He holds a career head coaching record of 65-68, which includes a 4-2 record in the playoffs.
