EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Jets backup quarterback Tim Tebow was so frustrated when the starting job was conferred upon Greg McElroy early last week that he told the coaches he didn't want to be used in any Wildcat packages Sunday against the San Diego Chargers, multiple Jets sources told ESPNNewYork.com.

Tebow was active, but did not play in the 27-17 loss at MetLife Stadium.

In Tebow's absence, wide receiver Jeremy Kerley -- a former high school quarterback -- ran the plays for the first time all season. The Wildcat has been Tebow's package, and was the reason Jets coach Rex Ryan and offensive coordinator Tony Sparano said he was brought to New York.

Tebow has been frustrated all season by his lack of playing time, but it culminated Tuesday upon hearing he would be passed over for a starting opportunity when Ryan decided to bench Mark Sanchez. Tebow was disappointed and upset enough to say he didn't want to be used situationally, sources said. He told the Jets coaches this early in the week, giving Kerley time to take practice reps. Soon reports emerged speculating the backup was looking to play outside of New York next season.

In the postgame news conference, Tebow was asked who told him he wouldn't be playing in the Wildcat and Tebow responded, "It just kind of happens."

Ryan said during his news conference that they wanted to use Kerley because of the element of surprise. Afterward, Ryan, through a team spokesman, said it was a "coach's decision," when asked specifically if Tebow had opted out.

The Jets had all three quarterbacks active for the Chargers game for the first time all season. Tebow did not play a single snap either as a punt protector or on offense. He was active, according to a source, in case McElroy was hurt. Jets coaches didn't want to play Sanchez at home, wary of possible fan reaction.

"I also wanted to give Kerley a shot at running some Wildcat things," Ryan said. "We knew they wouldn't expect him to throw the ball, and that was the case."

Ryan, in a conference call Monday with reporters, confirmed that Tebow was upset that he wasn't named the starter to replace Sanchez. The coach wouldn't confirm that Tebow, in their meeting Tuesday, asked to be removed from the Wildcat package.

"He was disappointed, there's no question, he was disappointed he was not named the starter," Ryan said. "I'm not going to get into private conversations that I have with players. It was my decision to use Jeremy Kerley in the Wildcat, without question. I'll say this: I believe if Tim's number was called, he would've went in and played -- I don't think there's any doubt about that."

Sources said Tebow let it be known to Ryan that he wasn't happy in a Wildcat-only role. It's unclear how Ryan responded to Tebow, but reaction later, one source said, was "next" -- as in next man up.

Tebow spoke to ESPN's Adam Schefter by phone Sunday and said he and Ryan smoothed over their hard feelings Friday and now have a good relationship. Tebow also said he was "more determined than ever to dedicate my entire offseason to becoming the best quarterback I can be next season" and prove he is deserving of being an NFL starter.

Tebow was Sanchez's backup all season, and was inactive with two fractured ribs during the Cardinals game Dec. 2 when Sanchez threw three interceptions and was replaced by McElroy. The second-year quarterback out of Alabama threw a touchdown pass and the Jets won 7-6.

Tebow was frustrated that he'd missed that opportunity as well.