The problem of coherent vortex and zonal jet formation in a system of oceanic or planetary nonlinear Rossby waves is considered from the point of view of the late time steady state achieved by free decay of a given initial state. Statistical equilibrium equations respecting all conservation laws are constructed for a broad class of models, generalizing those derived previously for two-dimensional inviscid Euler flow. Jetlike solutions are ubiquitous, with large coherent vortices existing only when there is a background flow whose velocity locally cancels the beta effect.