With the first two defensive coordinator candidates leaning towards other positions, and the interim defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni leaving for a head coaching job in UConn, the Cowboys are stepping up their efforts to land a quality coach.
On Friday, the Cowboys are expected to interview Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan at Valley Ranch, in what would cap off a busy week for newly-named coach Jason Garrett.
Garrett has interviewed DC candidates Vic Fangio and Greg Manusky earlier this week. However, it appears Manusky is a favorite to take the position in San Diego, while Fangio will likely follow Jim Harbaugh from Stanford to the 49ers.
As for Ryan, the brother of Jets' coach Rex Ryan and the son of former Eagles and Cardinals coach Buddy Ryan, he runs a 3-4 scheme that would fit the Cowboys' plans.
Ryan's defense in Cleveland this past season ranked 22nd in the NFL. He was a likely candidate for the Browns' head coaching position after Eric Mangini was fired. But with Cleveland hiring Pat Shurmur on Thursday, it doesn't appear Ryan will be in the Browns' plans. Obviously, the Cowboys asked and received permission to interview Ryan.
Also this week, Jason Garrett met with former tight end Dan Campbell about a possible assistant offensive line position and Univ. of Alabama tight ends/special teams coach Bobby Williams was also in town. Williams and Garrett worked together for two seasons under Nick Saban with the Dolphins.
