ESPN analyst Rex Ryan was interviewed on Saturday by the Denver Broncos for the role of defensive coordinator, sources confirmed to ESPN on Monday. The former NFL head coach previously stated that he would only leave his analyst role “for the perfect situation”.
Before turning to a career in broadcasting in 2017, the 60-year-old Ryan served as a head coach in the NFL for 30 years. This included eight years as the head coach of the New York Jets (2009-2014) and the Buffalo Bills (2015-2016). His highlights included leading the Jets to back-to-back AFC Championship games in 2009 and 2010.
Prior to becoming a head coach, Ryan served in various roles at the Baltimore Ravens for 10 years. This included spending four years as the team’s defensive coordinator, during which time the Ravens’ defense was ranked in the top 10 every season. In five of Ryan’s six seasons in New York, the Jets’ defense ranked in the top 10 as well.
Competing with Ryan for the defensive coordinator role is former Broncos head coach and Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, among several other candidates. Joseph is also expected to interview for the defensive coordinator role offered by the Philadelphia Eagles.
