Here are the three potential defensive coordinator suitors for the Dallas Cowboys. The clock is ticking and the Cowboys have already gone through three interviews this week. The team recently met with former New York Jets head coach, Rex Ryan for their defensive coordinator job. Ryan has not been in the NFL since 2016 when he was the head coach of the Buffalo Bills.
So it looks like Ryan is trying to make it back to the NFL, while he joins a very competitive field of experienced coaches. This includes Ron Rivera and Mike Zimmer, who interviewed for the job. However, Ryan has extensive experience in the NFL serving as the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. He moved on to become the head coach of the Jets for six seasons and the Bills for two years.
The pressure has never been higher than now for Dallas Cowboys head coach, Mike McCarthy, entering the final year of his contract. The fact that Dallas is taking their time finding the right candidate for the DC job could spur some speculation. There’s some belief whoever becomes the new defensive coordinator will eventually become the head coach next year for Dallas. Ryan joining Dallas would be a great launching pad for his career after being away from the NFL for eight years.
However, the Cowboys and McCarthy are considering a defensive coordinator who has head coaching experience. This is why they interviewed Zimmer and Rivera, since the departure of Dan Quinn to the Washington Commanders. Here are the top potential candidates for the Dallas Cowboys DC job after interviews.
Three Potential Defensive Coordinator Suitors for Dallas Cowboys
Mike Zimmer
Zimmer could be the best option for the defensive coordinator job amongst other candidates, according to a report. Replacing Dan Quinn won’t be an easy task, but there are still top candidates who are ready to replicate the season he had. Quinn turned around a defense that was historically bad into one of the best units in three seasons. However, since Quinn moved on to Washington, the struggle continues to find the next successor.
Zimmer started his NFL with the Dallas Cowboys as an assistant defensive coach under Barry Switzer in 1994. Now, he’s trying to make a comeback to the NFL by returning to the place where he started his career. Zimmer thrived in his first position and got a promotion to defensive backs coach until 2000. Fast forward, the Cowboys’ defense gave up the fewest yards, thriving off an aggressive and fast-paced scheme in 2003.
Zimmer would be a nice replacement as it could be a reunion between him and Jerry Jones who have a history. His experience can bring a lot to the table for the talented Dallas defense.
Ron Rivera
Rivera is another candidate who recently met with the Cowboys for the DC vacancy. It’ll likely come down to the Cowboys picking either Rivera or Zimmer. It’s interesting to see since Rivera would have to face the Commanders twice a year if hired. What makes Rivera more of an intriguing choice is having been in the NFL without a break, yet.
Meanwhile, Zimmer has been out of the NFL so he may be rusty coming back. However, some still say Zimmer would be the best option, but Rivera still has a chance.
Mike Vrabel
It seems unlikely now that Vrabel will persuade the Cowboys for the DC job, even though he was interested. However, Vrabel is still a candidate that the Cowboys can turn heads to if Rivera nor Zimmer attract interest. The problem is that Dallas has not spoken with Vrabel, but anything can change within the week. The heat would stir if Vrabel were to be the DC, causing more pressure for McCarthy’s job next year.
