NFL Rumors: 49ers' DeMeco Ryans 'Has Emerged as a Top Candidate' for Broncos' HC Job

While most of the attention has been paid to Sean Payton, the Denver Broncos are also reportedly keeping a close eye on DeMeco Ryans in their search for a new head coach.

According to Mike Klis of 9News, the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator "has emerged as a top candidate" for the Broncos.

Other contenders are Payton, Jim Caldwell and Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, per Klis.

Despite previous reporting that Payton was the favorite in Denver, it seems like things have cooled down between the organization and the former New Orleans Saints head coach.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted Wednesday that Payton doesn't have any second interviews lined up.

"As of right now, it does not seem like there is a place for Sean Payton. We'll see," Rapoport said. "But it does not seem like there is a place in the coaching world right now."

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo added that the longer things drag on, the more likely it seems Payton will return to Fox as an analyst next season.

Ryans had his first interview with Broncos management last week. The 38-year-old doesn't have a second interview arranged, but Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk noted he can set one up for next week after the NFC Championship Game regardless of the outcome for the 49ers.

According to Klis, Broncos CEO Greg Penner has been regrouping with his co-owners and general manager George Paton to have conversations with people within and outside the organization to gather information about all the top candidates.

It makes sense the Broncos would want to be thorough about their head-coaching search. The Walton-Penner ownership group wasn't in place when Denver hired Nathaniel Hackett last year.

The Broncos fired Hackett on Dec. 26 after going 4-11 through 15 games.

Ryans has been one of the NFL's top head-coaching candidates dating back to last season. He was in consideration for the Minnesota Vikings job but reportedly turned down a second interview to continue developing as a coach and find the right situation.

The Houston Texans, who Ryan played for from 2006 to 2011, have also interviewed Ryans. The former linebacker is in his second season as the 49ers defensive coordinator. His unit led the NFL in points and yards allowed this season.