New York Jets coach Rex Ryan has defended Geno Smith after the quarterback was criticised by his former college for a lack of leadership.

A number of Smith's former teammates at West Virginia slated elements of the team from last season in The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, with one saying that they are better off this season than they were in the last campaign when Smith was a member of the side.

However, Ryan believes that such comments are uncalled for and show a lack of respect for Smith's achievements with the college.

"It tells me I'm glad my kid never went there, I can tell you that much," Ryan told the New York Daily News.

"I don't get that. Geno was a tremendous player for West Virginia. I don't know, you have to ask them.

"I certainly don't get that. When somebody leaves your deal, I guess that's up to them. You have to ask them."

Geno Smith is currently in competition with Mark Sanchez for the starting quarterback jersey at the Jets.