The Denver Broncos have reportedly spoken to a former New York Jets head coach about their defensive coordinator opening.
Earlier this month, the Broncos acquired the rights to Super Bowl-winning head coach Sean Payton from the New Orleans Saints and gave him a massive multi-year deal to be their next head coach. Hiring Payton was not only seen as an obvious move to improve the team but also to help starting quarterback Russell Wilson regain the former that made him a nine-time Pro Bowler.
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While turning around an offense that was one of the worst in 2022-2023 is a top priority for the new head coach, leaning on his already strong defense will be an early necessity. However, he will be starting from scratch with a new defensive coordinator since he did not retain Ejiro Evero in the role.
In an attempt to maintain the current strength of the team heading into next season, Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos have an unexpected candidate in mind for the defensive coordinator job next season.
Denver Broncos interview Rex Ryan for defensive coordinator job
On Super Bowl Sunday, Fox Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer reported that “new Broncos head coach Sean Payton interviewed a surprise candidate this week to be his defensive coordinator, ESPN’s Rex Ryan.”
Ryan landed his job as an NFL analyst in 2017 following failed stints as the head coach of the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills. While his 15-16 tenure in Northern New York was underwhelming, he is still a popular figure among Jets fans after taking the team to two AFC Championship games in his first two seasons with the team. He finished with a 46-50 record as the head coach of Gang Green.
The 60-year-old Denver Broncos coordinator candidate also has a strong resume as a DC. Serving in that role for the Baltimore Ravens from 2005 to 2008. He is also the son of legendary defensive coach Buddy Ryan.