The Dallas Cowboys are on the hunt for a new defensive coordinator after the departure of Dan Quinn, who has taken on a role with the Washington Football Team. While there are several qualified candidates available, one name that stands out is current ESPN analyst Rex Ryan. Ryan’s potential hiring could either lead to great success for current coach Mike McCarthy or result in his downfall.
First and foremost, it’s important to address the elephant in the room – Ryan’s infamous foot fetish. While this may generate plenty of jokes and attention, it shouldn’t overshadow his abilities as a defensive play caller. Ryan was highly regarded in his prime, which was over a decade ago. He has a proven track record and was a successful defensive coordinator during his time with the Baltimore Ravens.
Although some may dismiss Ryan’s candidacy as just another retread, he is a more exciting option than other potential candidates, such as former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer. While Zimmer has experience as a Cowboys defensive coordinator, Ryan brings a unique personality and a proven ability to build strong defenses.
It’s important to look beyond Ryan’s time as a head coach with the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets, where he faced challenges and failed to sustain early success. Instead, we should focus on his strong start with the Jets, which included back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances. Ryan’s tenure may have had its lows, but he has the potential to revitalize a struggling defense.
The situation becomes even more intriguing when considering McCarthy’s contract status. He is heading into the final year of his contract with the Cowboys, which means there are no guarantees for his future. If McCarthy were to be replaced, it’s unlikely that Ryan would be considered for the head coaching position. However, if McCarthy remains in charge, Ryan’s hiring could create a potential power struggle if the defense outperforms the offense.
Ryan’s desire to return to coaching has been evident for years, but he has fallen short in recent opportunities. It remains to be seen if he is still a serious candidate for many teams. While Ryan’s hiring may seem like a move the Cowboys would make, considering his ties to former rival Buddy Ryan, it could also be a decision that McCarthy is not particularly fond of.
Ryan’s eccentric personality and player-friendly coaching style could create a dynamic that challenges McCarthy’s authority. If the defense excels under Ryan while the offense struggles, it could be difficult for McCarthy to maintain control and avoid criticism.
Ultimately, if Jones decides to hire Ryan, it could either be a key factor in McCarthy’s success with the Cowboys or the catalyst for their downfall. Bringing in Ryan over other potential candidates would certainly make for an entertaining outcome, akin to a real-life reality television show.
Only time will tell if the Cowboys decide to take a chance on Rex Ryan as their new defensive coordinator. Regardless of the outcome, his potential hiring is sure to generate excitement and intrigue among fans and analysts alike.
