The Dallas Cowboys are still searching for their new defensive coordinator, and the list of potential candidates continues to grow.
Latest Update on the Cowboys’ Defensive Coordinator Vacancy
According to CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson, Rex Ryan has recently interviewed for the open DC position with the Cowboys. Ryan has former head coaching experience with the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets, making him a prime candidate if that’s the criteria Dallas is following.
Ryans hasn’t coached since 2016 and has been working at ESPN ever since.
According to the Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys want to hire a defensive coordinator with previous head coaching experience. Multiple reports confirmed they had interviewed Mike Zimmer and Ron Rivera earlier this week, but Ryans was a new and unexpected name thrown into the mix on Thursday.
Zimmer was most recently the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings from 2014 to 2021. But what makes him an interesting candidate is his previous experience with the Cowboys.
Zimmer served in multiple positions with the team starting in 1995, including defensive coordinator between 2000 and 2006.
As for Rivera, he’s fresh off the press with his experience with the Washington Commanders from 2020 until he was let go last month. Before his time with the Commanders, Rivera was the head coach of the Carolina Panthers from 2011 to 2019.
As for an internal candidate, the Cowboys’ defensive line coach, Aden Durde, is another potential candidate for the job, although he has no previous head coaching experience.
Cowboys interviewed Mike Zimmer today for their vacant defensive coordinators position. Ron Rivera did his interview yesterday a person briefed on the process tells @dmn_cowboys
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) February 6, 2024
This came after Joe Whitt Jr., the Cowboys’ former secondary coach and passing game coordinator who was favored to take over the position, followed Dan Quinn to Washington to become the Commanders’ new DC.
KEEP READING: Will Dan Quinn’s Departure Set Back the Cowboys’ Defense?
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!