Report: Rex Ryan interviews for Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator job

Add another candidate to potentially fill the Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator opening. One report indicated that Rex Ryan interviewed for the job.

This news came from CBS Sports NFL Insider Josina Anderson. She shared the news via X.

New: I'm told former #Jets and #Bills head coach Rex Ryan interviewed for the #Cowboys vacant defensive coordinator job, per sources. pic.twitter.com/EOMjnpKvnT

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) February 7, 2024

Clarence Hill, who covers the Cowboys for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, also confirmed the report.

Sources confirm the Cowboys defensive coordinator search has now included an interview for former Jets coach Rex Ryan

— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) February 7, 2024

The Cowboys have an opening at defensive coordinator after Dan Quinn left to become head coach of the Washington Commanders.

Dallas has interviewed several candidates, including former Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer. In addition, the Cowboys talked to Ron Rivera, whom Quinn replaced with the Commanders. Also add Cowboys defensive line coach Aden Durde, a top candidate from within the organization.

Ryan currently is an analyst for ESPN. He has worked there since the Bills fired Ryan after the 2016 season. Before Buffalo, Ryan also was head coach of the Jets, taking the team to two AFC title games.

Ryan always has been known by his defensive reputation. After all, it’s in his genes. Buddy Ryan, Rex’s dad, created the 46 Defense. Rob Ryan, Rex’s twin, worked as the Cowboys defensive coordinator from 2011-12.

The 61-year-old has talked about football for a living for seven years. But he has tried to get back into the active football mix the past two off seasons. A year ago, he interviewed to be the defensive coordinator for the Broncos. But Denver eventually hired Vance Joseph.

The new Cowboys defensive coordinator will inherit some talented players, including Micah Parsons, a defensive player of the year candidate.