The Dallas Cowboys are actively considering various candidates for their vacant defensive coordinator position, with former NFL head coach Rex Ryan among those in the mix.
NFL insider Josina Anderson reports that Ryan has interviewed for the defensive coordinator role with the Cowboys. While Ryan has been out of the coaching scene since his departure from the Buffalo Bills during the 2016 season, his legacy as a defensive strategist speaks for itself.
During the 2000s, Ryan established himself as one of the premier defensive minds in football. He played a pivotal role in the Baltimore Ravens’ Super Bowl victory in 2000 as the team’s defensive line coach and subsequently oversaw four top-six defenses as the Ravens’ full defensive coordinator from 2005 to 2008.
However, it was during his tenure as head coach of the New York Jets that Ryan truly made his mark. In his first two seasons with the Jets, he guided the team to consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances while leading the NFL’s top-ranked defense both years.
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Despite these early successes, Ryan’s later years with the Jets were less fruitful, and he struggled to maintain the team’s winning momentum. Following his departure from the Jets after the 2014 season, Ryan took on coaching roles with the Buffalo Bills but failed to achieve sustained success, compiling a 15-16 record over two seasons.
Since transitioning away from coaching, Ryan has found a new home in the media landscape, primarily contributing to ESPN alongside fellow Jets enthusiast Mike Greenberg.
