According to New York Jets beat writer Brian Costello, and later ESPN Dallas, the Dallas Cowboys have fired defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. Ryan was the defensive coordinator for two seasons with the Cowboys. Ryan is the brother of Jets head coach Rex Ryan and the son of former NFL head coach Buddy Ryan. 

In both seasons with Ryan as defensive coordinator, the Cowboys' defense has been wildly mediocre. In 2011, the Cowboys were 14th in yards allowed per game and 16th in points allowed per game. This season, the Cowboys were again ranked 14th in yards allowed per game but slipped to 23rd in points allowed per game. It's no coincidence that the Cowboys haven't made the playoffs in those two seasons. In fact, none of the teams that Ryan has been a defensive coordinator for have made the playoffs. 

After another disappointing season, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was expected to make changes to his organization. It looks like Rob Ryan will be the first big move in an offseason which should be full of them.