When John Harbaugh took on the role of head coach for the Baltimore Ravens, he initially inherited the defensive talents of Rex Ryan as his coordinator. Now, eighteen years later, there may be a chance for a reunion, as Harbaugh has expressed openness to the idea of hiring Ryan as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants.
In a recent appearance on WFAN, Harbaugh hinted at the possibility, stating, “Why not? Could you imagine Rex coming back in here? I’m not ruling anything out. A guy like Rex, he’s around the game, he knows the game. He’s going to have to get updated a little bit with some of the scheme stuff, but I’ll tell you, no one calls a better game than Rex Ryan.” This sentiment highlights both Harbaugh’s respect for Ryan’s coaching skills and his willingness to think outside the box.
Ryan, who served under Harbaugh for one year before becoming head coach of the New York Jets from 2009 to 2014, also had a short stint leading the Buffalo Bills in 2015 and 2016. For the past decade, he has been a familiar face on ESPN, analyzing the game rather than coaching. However, he has not entirely removed himself from coaching discussions, having been a candidate for the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator position two years ago, asserting that he would have been the preferred choice over Mike Zimmer if not for a low contract offer.
Renowned for his ability to create chaotic defensive schemes, Ryan has proven himself capable of adapting to the evolving nature of football. Despite the game changing, the fundamentals of 11-on-11 football remain unchanged: effective defenses are crucially about outsmarting offenses. Ryan’s successful track record, including two past head coaching opportunities, exemplifies his capability in this regard.
Although Ryan’s strong personality may intimidate some, John Harbaugh is not one of them. Throughout his coaching career, Harbaugh has shown a preference for delegating specific roles to trusted coaches. Their past collaboration in 2008 led the Ravens to an AFC Championship appearance, suggesting that a second partnership could yield favorable results.
As Harbaugh pointed out, the possibility of Ryan rejoining the coaching ranks is well within the realm of plausibility. The prospect not only excites fans but also embodies the potential for renewed success on the defensive front for the Giants.