“Rex Ryan Criticizes Cowboys’ Hiring Decision, Claims He Could Have Fixed Their Defense”
Rex Ryan, who was considered a candidate to replace former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn this offseason, made a striking statement about the team’s ownership during an appearance on ESPN’s DiPietro and Rothenberg. According to a transcript from USA Today, Ryan implied that the Cowboys were unwilling to meet his salary demands, which kept him from joining Mike McCarthy’s coaching staff.
“I could’ve turned (the Cowboys’ defense) around in no time,” Ryan said. “But they couldn’t come up with the money, or I would’ve been there.” Ryan last served as the head coach of the Buffalo Bills in 2016 and was a defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens in 2008.
Ultimately, the Cowboys hired Mike Zimmer as their defensive coordinator, and his performance has been inconsistent through the first three games. Zimmer, previously the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, led Dallas to a Week 1 victory over the Cleveland Browns, holding them to 17 points. However, the New Orleans Saints scored 44 points on Dallas in Week 2, and the Cowboys allowed 28 points in a Week 3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, leaving the team at 1-2.
During his ESPN appearance, Ryan also subtly criticized the Cowboys’ decision to hire Zimmer. “They brought in a guy who was ranked 29th in the league during his last two years in Minnesota. The energy he left with—that’s the guy who’s supposed to inspire the team?” Ryan questioned. “This could turn out really badly for Dallas.”