Report: Cowboys Interview ESPN Personality for Defensive Coordinator Job

The 61-year-old last coached in 2016.

The Dallas Cowboys have interviewed former NFL head coach and current ESPN studio personality Rex Ryan for its vacant defensive coordinator position. The news of Ryan’s interview was first reported by Josina Anderson of CBS Sports and confirmed by Cowboys beat writer Clarence Hill Jr. 

The Cowboys are looking to replace Dan Quinn, who left his post as the franchise’s defensive coordinator to become the new head coach of the Washington Commanders. 

Ryan, 61, has not coached in the NFL since 2016 when he was fired after two seasons as head coach of the Buffalo Bills. He also previously served as the head coach of the New York Jets for six seasons after a successful stint as a defensive coordinator at various stops.

Ryan’s return to coaching is not one that was expected entering the coaching cycle, but with an interview conducted with Dallas brass this week, it appears that Ryan is closer than he’s ever been to returning to the sidelines since his departure in 2016 for television.