Report: Cowboys interviewing Rex Ryan for DC opening

Ryan last served as a DC with the Baltimore Ravens from 2005-08, captaining a unit that was first in the league in yards and points allowed in 2006. He was Jets HC from 2009-14, leading New York to back-to-back AFC Championship Games in his first two seasons. His two-year stint as Buffalo HC was less successful. The Bills fired him after Week 16 of the 2016 regular season. 

This would be an unexpected hire by the Cowboys, given the seven-year gap in his résumé. It appears other teams think it's a concern they can't ignore. Last offseason, Ryan interviewed with the Denver Broncos for their DC vacancy, but they hired Vance Joseph instead. 

Whether Ryan is the top candidate or not, Dallas is prioritizing experience in its DC search. Along with Ryan, the Cowboys reportedly interviewed ex-HCs Ron Rivera on Monday and Mike Zimmer on Tuesday.  

Jon Machota of The Athletic noted Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy — who's entering the final year of his contract — is feeling the heat. This is one reason he's willing to go outside the organization rather than promoting an unproven assistant.

Zimmer probably holds a slight edge. He was Cowboys DC from 2000-06, and Dallas finished first in the league in yards and second in points allowed in 2003.

Regardless, the Cowboys next DC should succeed. They have one of the most talented defenses in the NFL, which includes Defensive Player of the Year finalists linebacker Micah Parsons and cornerback DaRon Bland.