The most compelling story this NFL offseason is the landing place of Rex Ryan. We know it won’t be Chicago. No Head Coach in Chicago, since Mike Ditka, has been allowed to be interesting or have a personality. Ryan is very colorful and entertaining, so the Bears’ boring, buttoned-up corporate culture precludes him from leading the Monsters of the Midway.
What about ESPN? Ryan has been linked to possibly taking a well paid sabbatical from coaching with a cushy broadcasting gig.
Then later down the line when Rex Ryan returns to the game he might be able to enjoy marshmallow soft coverage, a la Urban Meyer and Landon Donovan, from the World Wide Leader.
However, the Atlanta Falcons are probably the most likely destination.
CBS Jason La Canfora:
“Rex Ryan, where is he headed? Well, Atlanta will be his first destination. He will interview with them this week. He’s very interested in that job. Owner Arthur Blank is very intrigued by bringing some of Rex’s sizzle to Atlanta. Some of Blank’s advisors are cautioning, let’s talk to some strong coordinators like Teryl Austin as well.”
Here’s a list of five other Falcons coaching candidates. Even though San Francisco, Chicago and even Buffalo and New York for that matter, have more history and tradition than the Falcons, it’s the ATL which is 2015’s “destination job.” At least that’s what CBS’ Boomer Esiason thinks.
“fact of the matter is I think the most coveted of all these jobs has got to be Atlanta because of one, Matt Ryan. That’s why they all want that job down there,” said Esiason.
Of course, the Falcons have another major leadership question mark when it comes to the General Manager position.
“Do not assume that general manager Thomas Dimitroff is safe,” said NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
“Arthur Blank has told candidates that they will have a say in the future of the general manager.”
NBC/Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio intimated the same exact idea yesterday.
Back to Rex Ryan, who is being pursued by the Oakland Raiders in addition to the Falcons, here’s what Rapoport had to say about Ryan’s future”
“He has a San Francisco 49ers interview; that is going to happen tomorrow. He is going to talk to the Atlanta Falcons officially on Tuesday. Remember, the last time the Falcons interviewed him owner Arthur Blank had a lot of interest in him. I would not be surprised if this one ends up working out down the road. In addition, the Buffalo Bills are expected to have some interest in Rex Ryan.
“Plus, he has retained a TV agent, Nick Khan of CAA, in case none of that works out and he ends up in [the television] business next year. Rex Ryan will have plenty of options.”
The Falcons have also already interviewed Denver Broncos Offensive Coordinator Adam Gase.
Chicago Bears Head Coaching Candidates
New York Jets Head Coaching Candidates
Oakland Raiders Head Coaching Candidates
San Francisco 49ers Head Coaching Candidates
Atlanta Falcons Head Coaching Candidates
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and writes The Sports Bank.net ,which is partners with Fox Sports. Read his feature stories in the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. Listen to him on KOZN 1620 The Zone. Follow him on Twitter (@paulmbanks). His work has been featured in hundreds of media outlets including The Washington Post and ESPN 2