Ravens rehire Rex Ryan

[BengalszoneBilly]

Ravens rehire, promote defensive coach Rex Ryan

January 28, 2008

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) -- Rex Ryan is back with the Baltimore Ravens, this time with a new title.

Ryan, fired as defensive coordinator Dec. 31, was hired Monday as the team's assistant head coach/defensive coordinator. Ryan, 45, was given the position by new coach John Harbaugh, who planned to make a formal announcement at a news conference later Monday.

Ryan and the rest of the coaching staff were fired along with coach Brian Billick following a 5-11 season. The son of former NFL coach Buddy Ryan coached the Ravens' defense the past three seasons.

Ryan, one of six candidates interviewed for the Ravens' head coaching job, also interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons and the Miami Dolphins.

[Monte]

It's too bad we couldn't get him. Hopefully this is a sign that he will suck as a head coach and the Ravens will continue to lose to us ...?

[skyline]

I'd say this is the best possible scenario for the Raven's new guy. It'll help give him credibility with the veterans.

[HairOnFire]

As assistant head coach does Ryan have the authority to call a timeout. The reason I ask is because Ryan called the ill-fated timeout against the Patriots...costing the Ravens the game. Soon to be fired Brian Billick complained loud and long that defensive coordinators aren't allowed to call timeouts, but....(voice trails off)