When the Dallas Cowboys interviewed Mike Zimmer, the former head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, for the position of defensive coordinator, it caused a stir. While two seasons away from the game isn’t a death sentence, it might hurt Zimmer’s chances of winning. None of Dallas’ prospects will be excluded for not holding a coaching post. Josina Anderson said on Wednesday that Rex Ryan, the former head coach of the Buffalo Bills, conducted interviews for the Cowboys position.
Ryan made more decisions for the Bills in 2015 and 2016 than current Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott. He hasn’t worked as a professional coach since. After joining ESPN in 2017, the oddball defensive mind rapidly brought his persona to the screen.
Perhaps Ryan’s most well-known defensive plays come from his tenure as head coach of the New York Jets (2009–2014). He led Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez to consecutive AFC Championship Games, but he was unable to overcome the obstacle. Overcoming Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in the 2010 AFC Divisional Round was the high point of his coaching career. Ryan was a highly esteemed defensive strategist who had won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens prior to his time in the Big Apple, which is around twelve miles northwest. He started working for Baltimore in 1999 as a defensive line coach. In 2005, he was elevated to defensive coordinator, and in 2008, he became associate head coach.
Although Ryan’s skill is undeniable and his record is impeccable, his Buffalo defenses never placed in the top 10 in terms of success rate or projected points added per play. Mike McCarthy, a lame-duck head coach, and a defense that performed well in the regular season will put pressure on him if he is to win the job.
