NEW YORK — Mark Sanchez is no longer the New York Jets’ franchise quarterback.

He might not even be the backup.

Rex Ryan decided to bench Sanchez on Tuesday in favor of Greg McElroy after the fourth-year quarterback had another miserable performance in a 14-10 loss at Tennessee on Monday night that eliminated New York from playoff contention.

“I think it’s best for our team, and for this game,” Ryan said during a conference call.

So, it’ll be McElroy under center for his first NFL start when the Jets (6-8) play the San Diego Chargers at home Sunday. Ryan hasn’t decided whether Sanchez or Tim Tebow — listed as the No. 2 quarterback — will be the backup.

While Sanchez blew the second chance Ryan gave him a few weeks ago, Tebow was leapfrogged by a third-stringer, fueling speculation that the team has little confidence in him as a quarterback.

“I have to look at what I think is the best for the team and not necessarily the individual,” Ryan said. “I’ll say this about Tim and I’ve always said it: I know he wants to help this team be successful in the worst way and there’s no doubt about that.”

Sanchez threw four interceptions Monday night and wasn’t able to handle a low snap with the game on the line, ending the Jets’ hopes to get back into the postseason.

Things got worse after the game for Sanchez, who received a series of death threats from one disgruntled fan on Twitter. League spokesman Greg Aiello said the NFL’s security staff was aware of the man’s threats and was working with the Jets to assist on the matter. The team declined comment through a spokesman.

“He respected my decision,” Ryan said. “That’s not easy, that’s for sure.”

Browns hire president

New Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam and his CEO, Joe Banner, have hired Alec Scheiner to be the team’s new president. Scheiner, 39, will join Cleveland after eight years with the Cowboys. He was senior vice president and general counsel with Dallas the last five years.

Bills sign Urbik to extension

The Buffalo Bills took the first step in securing their offensive line’s long-term future by signing starting right guard Kraig Urbik to a four-year contract extension. The deal locks up Urbik through 2016 and is worth $13.3 million, including a $3.5 million signing bonus.

Injury news

Coach Mike Tomlin said cornerback Ike Taylor will miss his third straight game while recovering from a fractured ankle. The Steelers also placed cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. ... The Bears placed running back Michael Bush on season-ending injured reserve because of a rib injury and signed Kahlil Bell to take his place. ... Bills receiver Donald Jones’ season is over after he was placed on the reserve/non-football illness list. Buffalo also placed reserve linebacker Arthur Moats (ankle) on season-ending injured reserve. ... The Browns placed linebacker James-Michael Johnson and defensive back T.J. Ward on injured reserve with knee injuries. ... The Chargers placed running back Ryan Mathews, wide receiver Malcom Floyd and tackle Reggie Wells on season-ending injured reserve. ... The Jaguars placed defensive end Andre Branch and running back Jordan Todman on injured reserve.