New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan doesn't get very cozy with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. But there is another AFC East head coach Ryan clearly has admiration for: Joe Philbin of the Miami Dolphins.

On Tuesday's conference call with the Miami media, I asked Ryan for his thoughts on Philbin returning in 2015. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross gave Philbin the endorsement for next season following Miami’s 37-35 victory against the Minnesota Vikings.

Ryan gave Philbin immense praise.

"I’ll tell you what, it’s obviously great. It’s obviously well-deserved," Ryan said. "He’s a helluva football coach. Obviously, Miami made a great decision bringing him back. I can tell you, going against him, that’s a heck of a football team and that’s a really well-coached team."

Ryan didn't stop there.

"No surprise that he's back," Ryan said of Philbin. "He's one of the better coaches in the league. I’m really happy for him."

Part of Ryan's respect and admiration stems from the fact that Philbin is 3-2 against Ryan in head-to-head meetings. The Dolphins beat the Jets at MetLife Stadium, 16-13, in Week 13 and have a chance for their first season sweep of New York since 2009 in Sunday's game.

But is Philbin really one of the NFL's premier head coaches? His career record is 23-24. Philbin also has missed the playoffs in Miami for three consecutive seasons. Next season undoubtedly will be a must-win year for Philbin to prove he is the Dolphins' long-term solution.

Ryan knows about pressure. He was in a similar situation this season, when he had to win to keep his job. With the Jets sitting at 3-12, Ryan most likely will be coaching in his final game with the Jets on Sunday.

However, Ryan made it clear that he sees a bright future ahead for the Dolphins and Philbin.

"I just see the way his team is developing," Ryan said. "I think they got a nucleus to have an outstanding football team. I just respect him as a coach, what I have to prepare for and all that. His teams are really well-coached."