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

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.

I'm told some initial names being discussed for the #Broncos head coach vacancy, per league source, include:

Dan Quinn
Darrell Bevell
Eric Bienemy
Sean Payton
Demeco Ryans
Shane Steichen

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) December 26, 2022

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.

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