While one Ryan brother is preparing for a chilly matchup with Pittsburgh this weekend in the AFC Championship, the other is heading for warmer climates.
The Dallas Cowboys today officially announced the signing of Rob Ryan as their defensive coordinator under new head coach Jason Garrett. According to ESPN.com, Ryan was interviewed on Friday and accepted the new position over the weekend.
Before coming to the Cowboys, Ryan was the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he held the same position in Oakland with the Raiders. He also won two Super Bowls with the Patriots as linebacker coach from 2000-2003.
Ryan replaces former defensive coordinator, Paul Pasqualoni, who recently accepted the head coaching position at the University of Connecticut.
This past season, the Browns ranked 22nd in the NFL in defense, giving up 350.1 yards, and tied for eighth in the league with 19 interceptions. They only allowed seven rushing touchdowns all season.
The Cowboys, in contrast, gave up 436 points (a franchise record) and 351.8 yards per game.
Rob Ryan is the brother of New York Jets coach Rex Ryan. His father, Buddy Ryan, was a longtime NFL coach.
