Rex Ryan could become Cowboys’ next DC after getting ignored by the Jets
Rex Ryan, who declined the Cowboys in 2024 over salary disputes, is back on their radar as a potential defensive coordinator.
Follow Us
Rex Ryan and Jerry Jones (Image via FirstSprotz)
While the search for the Dallas Cowboys head coach continues, Rex Ryan made a revelation, turning heads. The former New York Jets and Buffalo Bills head coach and current ESPN contributor revealed that he almost became the defensive coordinator at Dallas.
According to Pro Football Talk, Ryan revealed that the Cowboys approached him with an offer before the start of the 2024 season. He turned it down and also disclosed the reason behind his decision.
I could’ve fixed [the Cowboys’ defense] in a New York minute. But, that being said, they couldn’t pony up the money.
Rex Ryan said last September
The Cowboys brought back former defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who was part of the Deion Sanders regimen at Jackson State and then in Colorado. Ryan wasn’t happy with the appointment. He pointed out Zimmer’s record during his previous stint in the NFL before joining Sanders’ staff.
You brought in a guy that was 29th in the league his last two years at Minnesota. The enthusiasm he brings when he left—that’s the guy that’s gonna inspire you? This can go really bad for Dallas.
Rex Ryan said
The Cowboys ended the 2024 campaign with a 7-10 record after going three consecutive seasons with 12-5.
Rex Ryan has said he would have been the Dallas defensive coordinator in 2024, but the Cowboys "couldn't pony up the money." If/when Brian Schottenheimer gets the head-coaching job, Rex could be in play again. https://t.co/YTsyH6zFy4
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 23, 2025
Rex Ryan is back on the radar of the Cowboys
Ryan’s warning came to fruition. The Cowboys ended the 2024 season as the 28th-best defense in the league, giving up an average of 355.2 yards per game, 17th-best passing defense (averaged 218.1 yards), 29th rushing defense (averaged 137.1 yards), second-last scoring defense (allowing 27.5 points on average), and bottom red zone defense (75% of chances ended up as touchdowns).
Head coach Mike McCarthy left in early January, and now Zimmer’s job hangs in the balance. NFL Network’s Tom Pellissero reported that all options are open for Zimmer. He is willing to stay in Dallas for another year or explore other options.
#Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer tells me “all options are open” on his future after Dallas and Mike McCarthy parted ways Monday.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 14, 2025
Zimmer and other Dallas assistants whose contracts expired are now allowed to interview elsewhere. “I really enjoy coaching,” Zimmer said. pic.twitter.com/WMy4KV82Gf
Al Harris was another candidate thought to be in the mix for the DC role. Harris served as the defensive back coach in the McCarthy regimen, but as per Shan Sheriff of 105.3 The Fan radio, he will be let go.
Also hearing it’s not likely that Al Harris returns. #Cowboys https://t.co/vccI2npaOX
— Shan Shariff (@1053SS) January 19, 2025
Zimmer’s dwindling position and Harris’ possible departure from Arlington generated rumors that Rex Ryan might make a return in the frame as the potential next defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys.
Hope Brian Schottenheimer hires Rex to be his DC if he’s actually going to get the Cowboys gig. What a world! #Jets
— Jake Asman (@JakeAsman) January 23, 2025
Nothing is set in stone when Jerry Jones is in charge of something. Cowboys fans have endured the whims of their owner/GM for more than three decades, so the doctors’ order will be to stay calm and wait.
Related: Top 5 Bills-Chiefs games of all time
Stay Updated!
Ishan Misra
(3079 Articles Published)