SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

CBS Sports reports DeMeco Ryans is on the Denver Broncos’ wishlist for head coach

Dec 27, 2022, 11:00 AM | Updated: 11:43 am

Defensive Coordinator DeMeco Ryans of the San Francisco 49ers on the field before during the game a...

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 4: Defensive Coordinator DeMeco Ryans of the San Francisco 49ers on the field before during the game against the Miami Dolphins at Levi's Stadium on December 4, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers defeated the Dolphins 33-17. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)

(Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)

Despite being in the middle of a playoff push, 49ers’ defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans has a few admirers from across the NFL.

San Francisco’s defensive leader is reported to be one of six initial names “being discussed” by the Denver Broncos for their head-coaching vacancy. CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson reported the news Monday, citing league sources.

Other names on the list include Cowboys’ DC Dan Quinn, Dolphins’ coach Darrell Bevell, Chiefs’ OC Eric Bienemy, Sean Payton and Eagles’ OC Shane Steichen.

The report came only a few hours after the Broncos fired coach Nathaniel Hackett following the team’s embarrassing 51-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Christmas Day. Denver is 4-11 through Week 16, with frustrations stemming from the play of veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, and the play-calling altogether. The Broncos have named Jerry Rosburg as the interim head coach for the remainder of the 2022 regular season.

DeMeco Ryans is in his second year as the defensive coordinator for the Red & Gold, leading the league’s best defense this season. His unit ranks at the top of most defensive metrics, leading to much speculation that the former linebacker will accumulate many head coaching interviews as the offseason approaches.

Ryans has been considered for such roles previously. The 38-year-old interviewed with the Minnesota Vikings for their head coach vacancy after last season but declined a second interview. He was also in line to fill the Las Vegas Raiders’ vacancy before the team hired Josh McDaniels.

If Ryans does indeed leave the Bay Area after the season, it’ll mark the third coordinator in three seasons to leave the 49ers for a head-coaching position. Former offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel joined the Miami Dolphins this past offseason, while former DC Robert Saleh took over head-caching duties for the New York Jets before the 2021 season.

Newsletter

San Francisco 49ers

Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during warmups before the game against the Se...

Amiliano Fragoso

Arik Armstead reveals 49ers asked him to take $12 million pay cut

Arik Armstead broke the silence on his 49ers departure Thursday, stating that he felt disrespected by their contract offer this offseason.

7 hours ago

Defensive end Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on against the Los Angeles Rams du...

Amiliano Fragoso

Post-June 1st Designation: How does it work in the NFL?

The Post-June 1st Designation has been a widely used method of salary cap maneuvering by NFL teams this offseason. Here's how it works.

11 hours ago

Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a touchdown pass during the third quarter a...

Amiliano Fragoso

Shanahan raves about Brock Purdy as 49ers prepare for extension after 2024

The 49ers appear to be preparing for a massive Brock Purdy contract extension, something SF isn't shy about paying for the right guy.

1 day ago

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 11: Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball after a...

Amiliano Fragoso

Shanahan looking to get Brandon Aiyuk extension done ‘sooner than later’

Kyle Shanahan seemed optimistic about a long-term extension for Brandon Aiyuk, hoping to get pen to paper done as a soon as possible.

1 day ago

Arik Armstead #91 looks on during San Francisco 49ers practice ahead of Super Bowl LVIII at Fertitt...

Amiliano Fragoso

49ers GM John Lynch says Arik Armstead departure was a tough decision

John Lynch went through the Arik Armstead process with the media this week, explaining how happy he is that one of their own got a new deal.

2 days ago

Fans in Christmas costumes watch from the stands prior to the game between the Denver Broncos and t...

Amiliano Fragoso

NFL plans for Wednesday Christmas DoubleHeader in 2024

The NFL will reportedly have two games on Christmas Day, despite the holiday falling on a Wednesday, in 2024.

2 days ago

CBS Sports reports DeMeco Ryans is on the Denver Broncos’ wishlist for head coach