Rex Ryan will keep job after average season with Bills

Rex Ryan will retain his position as the Buffalo Bills coach despite missing out on a place in the NFL play-offs.

The 52-year-old had lofty ambitions for the season at the beginning of his tenure in January but the Bills failed to advance to the play-offs for a 16th straight year.

However, co-owner Terry Pegula is looking forward to continue working with Ryan and general manager Doug Whaley for the foreseeable future.

"As our first full season as owners of the Buffalo Bills draws to a close, meanagement, coaches, players and fans all feel that our expectations were not met," he said in a statement.

"Kim [Pegula, co-owner], Russ [Brandon, president] and I look forward to working and collaborating with Doug Whaley and Rex Ryan in forming a winning future for the organisation.

"Our management team and coaching staff are very capable and work well together. This stable foundation is necessary to achieve long-term success in the NFL."

Going into the final game of the regular season against the New York Jets on Sunday, the Bills have a 7-8 record.