Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton interviewed Rex Ryan for the team’s defensive coordinator position last week, FOX Sports reported Sunday morning.
FOX Sports had the inside track on that story given Payton is concluding his responsibilities with the network on Sunday.
The Broncos recently let defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero out of his contract to pursue other opportunities. He assumed the same position with the Carolina Panthers.
Ryan, 60, currently works for ESPN as an analyst after a career in which he served as the head coach of the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills.
After various coaching roles with the Baltimore Ravens from 1999-2008, Ryan took over as head coach of the Jets in 2009 and was at the helm until 2014. He then spent two seasons with the Bills and was relieved of his duties as head coach following the 2016 campaign.
In his eight seasons as a head coach, Ryan compiled a 61-66 regular-season record and led his teams to a 4-2 mark in the playoffs. He also helped the Ravens to victory in Super Bowl XXXV as the team’s defensive line coach.
While Payton and Ryan have yet to work together, the former worked with the latter’s twin brother. Rob Ryan was the New Orleans Saints’ defensive coordinator from 2013-15.
–Field Level Media