Cleveland Browns' Rob Ryan On Board For a Possible Defensive Scheme Switch

Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is on board if new team president Mike Holmgren decides to switch the defense from a 3-4 to a 4-3 scheme.

Having coached with teams for which each defense was in a 4-3, Holmgren has more comfort in that system, rather than current head coach Eric Mangini prefers, which is the 3-4.

For his part, Ryan said it would be easy for him to make the transition to a 4-3.

"It would take about one second," Ryan told CBSSports.com. "I've coached in every system. I know everything there is to know about coaching defense."

Even though Ryan's job could be on the line if Holmgren decides to bring in his own coaching staff, Ryan remains focused on the job at hand; getting a defensive plan set for the season finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns Stadium on Sunday.

A pending defensive scheme switch would also put many players' future at risk, since they have never been in a 4-3 at the NFL level.  This includes linebackers D'Qwell Jackson and Kamerion Wimbley.  Other players may benefit from the switch, like defensive linemen Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams.

Regardless of Holmgren's decision, Ryan's versatility in working with both schemes makes him an asset to the team, especially with the performance he has managed to get out of many unknown and journeyman players in 2009.

If the Browns are to be successful in the future, and find the right draft choices to fit Holmgren's vision, a change of defenses is inevitable, but how soon is the real question Browns fans are pondering right now.

(Article also posted on Dawg Scooper)