Ex-Patriots Villain Reveals Why He Turned Down High-Profile Coaching Gig

The Cowboys were a mess through the first three games of the season, and it sounds like former coaches are more interested in criticizing Dallas rather than helping it first-hand.

Rex Ryan doesn’t waste his air time on ESPN’s “Get Up” to lay down a harsh reality for a Cowboys defense that ranks 28th in EPA per play. The former Buffalo Bills and New York Giants head coach reportedly interviewed for the vacant defensive coordinator position last offseason, and Ryan revealed why he rejected Dallas.

“I could’ve fixed (the Cowboys’ defense) in a New York minute,” Rex Ryan said on ESPN’s DiPietro and Rothenberg show, per Madison Williams of Sports Illustrated. “But, that being said, they couldn’t pony up the money, or I would’ve been there.”

Dallas fans were irate at owner and general manager Jerry Jones for not spending enough money in the offseason to upgrade the team. But whether or not Ryan would have truly resolved the Cowboys’ problems is another story. The 61-year-old didn’t buy Mike Zimmer as the answer.

“You brought in a guy that was 29th in the league his last two years at Minnesota, the enthusiasm he brings when he left, that’s the guy that’s gonna inspire you? This can go really bad for Dallas,” Ryan said.

New England Patriots fans certainly know Ryan can hold a grudge against any team or player. It could be a case of sour grapes from Ryan, but Dallas did showcase major issues to start the season. It hopes to rectify its problems Thursday when it takes on the New York Giants in Week 4.