In his search for “home run talent,” Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has extended his search for a defensive coordinator to the media. According to Josina Anderson, Dallas interviewed former Bills and Jets head coach and current ESPN analyst Rex Ryan for the vacant position.
The hiring of Ryan, who famously led some of the most formidable defenses in NFL history while serving as defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, could be vital to Micah Parsons' continued development. During his time in Baltimore, Ryan coached NFL legends Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, and Ed Reed.
Since becoming an analyst, Ryan hasn't held back from criticizing Dallas' performance. After the Wild Card round debacle against the Green Bay Packers, Ryan appeared on ESPN and gave his thoughts to then-Cowboys DC Dan Quinn. get up.
“This defense stunk. Why did they lose? Why did they look like trash? Why did they end up being outcoached? I mean the defensive end. period.”
Dallas Cowboys interview former head coach Rex Ryan for vacant DC position
How would Ryan use Parsons?
A question arises here. If Dallas names Ryan his next DC, how will he use his pass rushers? Parsons recently talked about his lack of play at linebacker and cited play calling as the cause. Ta. Dallas struggled at linebacker all season after a career-threatening injury to Leighton Vander Esch. Injuries have forced sophomores Damone Clark and Marquez Bell to start. Despite both showing flashes, neither has the size needed to be a force in the run game.
If Ryan takes the job, he could be someone who can use the skills Parsons displayed in college. At Penn State, Parsons played primarily as a linebacker. It wasn't until he arrived in Dallas that he transformed into one of the league's top edge rushers. If you dig deeper into Dallas' blowout losses to Arizona, Buffalo and the recent loss to Green Bay, one common thread emerges. Quinn couldn't put enough size on the field to stop the run.
Why should Dallas hire Ryan?
Ryan not only brings experience, but he will bring a level of toughness that Dallas hasn't had in decades. Hiring Ryan won't turn Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence and Donovan Wilson into the Ravens' legendary trio overnight. However, it will help their development. Of the candidates being reported, Ryan is the most intriguing. Yes, he was out of the league for years. But replacing Quinn with Ron Rivera would be a pain. Bringing in former Dallas DC Mike Zimmer may be a good fit, but it would continue Jones' trend of sticking with familiar faces. For Dallas, trying to fill a coaching position this late will be a challenge. The Cowboys claim they're “all in” for the final year of Mike McCarthy and Dak Prescott's contracts. Fans will have to wait for Jones' decision to determine if the organization is truly “all in” or doomed to another postseason embarrassment.
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