Broncos Trying to Bring Former NFL Head Coach Out of Retirement for Defensive Coordinator Job

The Denver Broncos' coaching staff is going through a complete transformation this offseason, and it started with the hiring of new head coach Sean Payton.

The Broncos had to trade for Payton from the New Orleans Saints since he was technically still under contract after retiring early. Payton is now working to build out his coaching staff, and an interesting name has emerged as a top candidate to be his defensive coordinator.

Rex Ryan Broncos Rumors

Former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan could be returning to the NFL in Denver.

Comeback? Rex Ryan has emerged as a top candidate for the #Broncos defensive coordinator job, per me and @MikeGarafolo. Ryan has been on ESPN after being fired by the #Bills in 2016. If all goes well, he could be headed back in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/pkPzR7SY1D
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 16, 2023

Ryan first made his name as the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens before that landed him the head coaching job in New York, where he took the Jets and their dominant defense to two straight AFC Championship games, unfortunately losing both of them.

Ryan eventually moved on from New York after six years following the 2014 season, briefly serving as the Buffalo Bills' head coach for two years in 2015 and 2016.

Since then, Ryan has been with ESPN as an NFL analyst on various shows and broadcasts. His significant absence from the league isn't ideal, but Ryan could soon make his return to the coaching ranks with the Broncos. He clearly still has recognition and respect around the NFL, and to get it from a head coach as accomplished as Payton means a lot.

Ryan would be inheriting a talented defense that could provide him with an excellent chance to show he can still be a great coach in this league.

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