Rex Ryan, who hasn’t coached in the NFL since 2016, is shaping up to be the top candidate for the Denver Broncos’ defensive coordinator job, NFL Network reports.
Sean Payton became the new head coach of the Broncos after sitting out the game last season.
He’s tasked with reinvigorating a team that was supposed to make noise in the AFC West with Russell Wilson on board. Instead, the Broncos finished with a 5-12 record.
First, Payton must assemble his coaching staff, and Payton appears to be looking to Ryan to fill the defensive role.
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Head Coach Rex Ryan of the Buffalo Bills walks off the field after a game against the Miami Dolphins at New Era Field on December 24, 2016 in Orchard Park, NY (Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported Ryan as a «surprise candidate this week» to join those looking to train with Payton.
Defense is Ryan’s specialty, although he hasn’t been a coordinator since his days with the Baltimore Ravens in 2008. He joined the New York Jets in 2009 as head coach and stayed until 2014, when he was fired after a season of 4-12. .
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Ryan moved to the Buffalo Bills in 2015, but only lasted two seasons as head coach.
Head coach Rex Ryan of the Buffalo Bills hugs Zach Brown before a game against the Miami Dolphins on December 24, 2016 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, NY (Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ESPN has had Ryan as one of its NFL analysts since he was fired from the Bills. Although his name has popped up in coaching rumors, nothing has been as serious as the reports from Denver.
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The Broncos need a replacement after Ejiro Evero joined the Carolina Panthers, who offered him the same job under new head coach Frank Reich.
Former NFL coach and ESPN analyst Rex Ryan of «ESPN’s Sunday’s NFL Countdown» speaks onstage during the ESPN portion of the 2017 Summer Television Critics Association press tour at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on 26 July 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
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Evero had a solid defense in Denver despite what the team record says. He ranked seventh in total yards allowed per game at 320.0 and gave up 21.1 points per contest.