Ravens' Ryan deserves head coaching job
The firings of NFL coaches should begin today, and Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan's name is being thrown around as a possible replacement. Hopefully, Ryan gets a job, and he deserves the opportunity. I wonder, though, who would be on head coach John Harbaugh's list to replace Ryan. In the past, the Ravens always had a defensive coordinator in waiting with Mike Nolan and then Ryan. They kept Marvin Lewis' system in place, which was built around active linebackers, especially Ray Lewis.
But Ryan's departure would have a huge impact. He is loved by the defensive players, and they would love to leave Baltimore to follow Ryan wherever he would go. Right now, Ryan is the only coach on the staff who can somewhat keep those defensive players in line. If he leaves, it would be interesting to see how Harbaugh would handle some of the personalities on defense.
Comments
RE: Your Monday column
What the hell, a mention of Kyle Boller and not a disparaging word. You're mellowing, Mike!
Posted by: BobbyWoontz | December 29, 2008 8:17 AM
I would hate to see Rex go for two reasons:
1) He is one of the best, if not the best DCs out there.
2) I don't see him having great success as an HC.
If he does go, which seems likely, what are the chances that Cincinnati lets Marvin go and we can get him back? Or perhaps we could bring Romeo Crennel into the fold, since his days in Cleveland are likely over.
Posted by: alphanumerics | December 29, 2008 9:37 AM
Rex, please don't go. But if you do, good luck and thank you. If your the head coach of a team the Ravens are playing down the road, what a great game that will be. But for now the hell with that - Miami, yeah GET MIAMI, then the Steelers. Oh BOY! I can see you licking your chops. Good luck.
Posted by: Rich | December 29, 2008 10:42 AM
I know that Ryan deserves to be head coach somewhere and we never want to hold back someone, but there is going to be alot of turmoil on the defensive side of the ball in '09.
Keeping stability at that position would help with the transition. I say pay him more to keep him. At least one more year!
Who'll replace him? Brooks? Mattison? Crennel?
Posted by: SC_Ravens_Fan | December 29, 2008 11:09 AM
I suggest to Rex: go wherever Savage is hired.
Phil was responsible for bringing in all types of talent to Cleveland. Apparently, he couldn't find the right coach for Cleveland. I don't know that Parcells could succeed in that environment... as coach OR GM.
Please, someone else pray with me that Cowher doesn't get hired there. Just thinking about watching that moron yell and spit along opposing sidelines for two games every year again makes me nauseous.
Posted by: SC_Ravens_Fan | December 29, 2008 1:29 PM
Assuming he does get axed in Dallas, what about Wade Phillips? He worked with Cam Cameron before in San Diego a few years ago and he's a damn good defensive coordinator. Why not try and land him, though it may be expensive.
Posted by: Matthew | December 29, 2008 1:42 PM
i think the lead candidate for DC replacement should be Mike Nolan. He had a pretty stout defense here as well, and some of the D players were here during his tenure as well.
if not him, I'm guessing next man up in house would be either Vic Fangio, Mike Pettine, or Clarence Brooks.
Posted by: Joe | December 29, 2008 4:46 PM
Vic Fangio was the original back up plan, don't know if that has changed or not.
Posted by: Doc Kearns | December 30, 2008 9:41 AM
RYAN IS THE BEST & THE PLAYERS LOVE HIM. I WISH HIM MUCH SUCCESS IF HE BECOMES A HEAD COACH, BECAUSE HE DESERVES IT. I HOPE HE DOESN'T THOUGH...OUR DEFENSE IS OUR BIGGEST ADVANTAGE OVER OTHER TEAMS.
Posted by: YAY RAVENS | December 30, 2008 6:01 PM
If Rex Ryan would be such a good coach, why didn't the Ravens hire him last year?
Posted by: Sam | December 31, 2008 10:22 AM