Amidst a search for a ‘home-run hire’, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has extended his defensive coordinator search into the media. Per Josina Anderson, Dallas interviewed former Bills and Jets head coach and current ESPN analyst, Rex Ryan, for the vacant role.
Famously known for orchestrating one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history while serving as the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, a Ryan hire could be essential to the continued development of Micah Parsons. During his time in Baltimore, Ryan coached NFL legends Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, and Ed Reed.
Since becoming an analyst, Ryan has not held back criticism of Dallas’ performances. Following their Wildcard Round flop against the Green Bay Packers, Ryan sounded off on then-Cowboys DC Dan Quinn while appearing on ESPN’s Get Up.
“This defense stunk. Why’d they lose? Why’d they look like crap? Why’d they get out-coached? Point to the defense. Period.”
Dallas Cowboys Interview Former HC Rex Ryan for Vacant DC Role
How Would Ryan Use Parsons?
This begs the question: if Dallas were to tab Ryan as their next DC, how would he use the pass-rusher? Parsons recently spoke about his lack of usage at linebacker, citing play-calling as the culprit. Dallas struggled at linebacker all season following Leighton Vander Esch’s career-threatening injury. The injury forced them to start sophomores Damone Clark and Markquese Bell. Despite both showing flashes, neither possess the size needed to be a force in the run game.
Should Ryan get the job, he could be the man to unleash Parsons’ skills he displayed while in college. At Penn State, Parsons primarily played linebacker. It was only once he arrived in Dallas that he transformed into one of the league’s top edge rushers. When taking a deeper dive into Dallas’ blowout losses at Arizona, at Buffalo, and most recently against Green Bay, a common denominator reveals itself. Quinn did not put enough size onto the field to stop the run.
Why should Dallas hire Ryan?
Not only would Ryan bring experience, but he would bring a level of toughness that has been absent in Dallas for decades. A Ryan hire would not turn Parsons, Demarcus Lawrence and Donovan Wilson into the Ravens’ legendary trio overnight. Although, it would help their development. Of the reported candidates, Ryan is the most intriguing. Yes, he has been out of the league for years. But, replacing Quinn with Ron Rivera would be a wash. Bringing in former Dallas DC Mike Zimmer could be a good fit, but would continue Jones’ trend of sticking to familiar faces. Attempting to fill a coaching position this late presents a difficulty for Dallas. Heading into the final year of Mike McCarthy and Dak Prescott’s contracts, the Cowboys claim to be ‘all-in.’ Fans will wait for Jones’ decision to determine whether the organization is truly ‘all-in’, or destined for another postseason embarrassment.
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