On Sunday, it was revealed that Sean Payton interviewed a very surprising candidate to be the Denver Broncos next defensive coordinator. Perhaps this is a smart interview, but either way, it’s a bit of a surprise.
Jay Glazer reported that Payton interviewed former New York Jets and Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan for the team’s open defensive coordinator position. The interview was apparently earlier this week.
Rex Ryan had been coaching in the NFL since the 1999 season. He spent time with the Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, and Buffalo Bills. His coaching career began in 1987.
As a head coach, Ryan manned the Jets from 2009-2014 and the Bills from 2015-2016. His first two years as a head coach saw him lead his teams to back to back AFC Championship games. He never made the playoffs as a head coach after that.
A little Sunday morning scoopage: new Broncos head coach Sean Payton interviewed a surprise candidate this week to be his defensive coordinator, ESPN’s Rex Ryan @NFLonFOX
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) February 12, 2023
He was fired from the Jets after a 4-12 season in 2014, and immediately landed with the Buffalo Bills for the 2015 season where he finished 8-8. After a 7-8 finish in 2016, he was fired in Buffalo as well.
Overall, including the playoffs, Ryan has a 65-68 record as a head coach in the NFL. He does have a history of scheming some very good defenses, so it’s not like this is some Joe Schmoe that Sean Payton is interviewing.
Ryan does fit the mold of being a veteran and experienced mind. Him having head coaching experience before should be a help for the Denver Broncos, and honestly, I don’t think there are a ton of options for the DC position.
Since his dismissal from the Bills, he’s been with ESPN. He is only 60 years old even though he’s been out of the NFL for about five years now.
I do think this would be a solid hire. He does check just about every box that I’d assume Sean Payton would look for in an assistant coach.