Rex Ryan Gets Endorsement From Bills Legend Jim Kelly

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Rex Ryan is already a hit in Buffalo.

Ryan received the biggest endorsement he could ask for Tuesday from Bills legend Jim Kelly, who welcomed the team's new head coach in a statement posted to his wife's Instagram page.

"I am very excited about the hiring of Rex Ryan not only because of his coaching ability but also because of how he works with players and how players work for and respect him," the Hall of Fame quarterback said. "He now has very talented players to go with the enthusiasm he brings to the locker room."

Ryan, fired by the Jets after a disappointing 4-12 season, was greeted by a giant pizza that said "WELCOME REX" after arriving in Orchard Park. He was photographed later Tuesday at a Sabres game and at a bar -- with Kelly -- near Ralph Wilson Stadium.

He'll be formally introduced at a Wednesday afternoon press conference.

The defensive-minded head coach had a busy first day on the job, parting ways with D-coordinator Jim Schwartz and hiring Greg Roman from San Francisco to run the Bills' offense. Ryan is expected to lure members of his former Jets' staff to Buffalo.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what he does on the offensive side of the ball," Kelly said via Instagram. "I'm also excited about Rex Ryan's determination to bring winning football back to the RALPH, to the amazing Bills fans and to the great city and people of Buffalo! GO BILLS!"

Ryan went 50-52 in six years with the Jets, including consecutive trips to the AFC Championship game. He'll take over for Doug Marrone, who opted out of his contract earlier this month.

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