Dec 14, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) is chased out of the pocket by Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) during third quarter action at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
John Elway and John Fox need to pull a Bill Belichick.
If, as most think will happen, the New York Jets part ways with head coach Rex Ryan, the first phone call he should get better be from the Denver Broncos to bring him on as an assistant for the playoffs. Just as the New England Patriots did with Josh McDaniels a few years ago when he was fired from the St. Louis Rams.
Not only would the Broncos add another brilliant defensive mind to their coaching staff, no one develops defensive game plans against Tom Brady better than Ryan. The most recent example was last Sunday. The Patriots held on for the 17-16 win, but if Nick Folk made a 52-yard field goal, New York may have won. The only reason the Jets were in the game was because of the defense.
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The Broncos defense is far better than New York’s. Imagine what Ryan could do with that unit.
This move doesn’t take away from Denver defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio. It doesn’t take away his power or control. He’s still the defensive coordinator who runs that phase of the team.
What adding Ryan does is bring another defensive mind to the coaches room. Make Ryan a pass rush specialist. Let Fox and Del Rio pick his brain to develop the best way to attack the offenses the Broncos face in the playoffs; especially if one of those is New England.
As for the possibility Ryan wouldn’t take less than a head coaching position, sell the fact he would be able to keep Belichick, Brady and New England from winning. That should be enough for Ryan to get on board. Plus, he would be able to get back to what he does best: coach defense. Whether he stays on or not wouldn’t need to be decided at this point.
As Broncos Country knows full well, the Broncos are all in for this season. Bringing Ryan on would only increase their chances.
There is no downside to this move for Denver; especially with a first-round bye to get him introduced to the players and fellow coaches. Of course, it’s all predicated on the Jets firing Ryan. By all accounts, there’s little doubt that will happen.
If and when it does, Ryan better hear from the Broncos as soon as it does.