After pulling Sean Payton away from his TV gig and hiring him as their new head coach, the Denver Broncos are seemingly look to go back to the former coach/TV analyst well to fill another vacancy on their staff. This time, it’s ESPN analyst and former Bills and Jets HC Rex Ryan.
According to NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, Ryan has emerged as Denver’s top DC candidate.
Although he’s been out of coaching since 2016, Ryan’s background likely convinced Payton he’s well-suited.
Ryan’s father, Buddy, was Chicago’s DC when the Bears won Super Bowl XX. His brother, Rob, was DC in New Orleans from 2013-15, while Payton served as Saints HC.
Ryan gained notoriety as Jets HC from 2009-14, leading New York to playoff upsets against Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, along with consecutive AFC championship berths during his first two seasons.
He also served as Baltimore’s DC for three seasons. Rock-solid defenses defined Ryan’s teams in 12 seasons as a DC and HC. Per NFL.com, they ranked top-10 in yards allowed nine times.
Despite ranking 19th in yards allowed during his final season in Buffalo, players like 2023 Pro Hall of Fame nominee Darrelle Revis excelled under his tutelage. Revis was named first-team All-Pro three times while playing for Ryan.
Denver CB Patrick Surtain II is a budding 22-year-old star, who made first-team All-Pro in his second season. Perhaps Payton believes Ryan can turn Surtain II into the next Revis.
Regardless, during the last two offseasons, the Broncos have had an affinity for flashy moves, so their interest in Ryan isn’t surprising.
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