Cowboys Rumors: Mike Zimmer Contract Isn't Done, Rex Ryan Still in Play for DC Job

The Dallas Cowboys' deal with Mike Zimmer to become the team's next defensive coordinator has not yet been finalized, and they're now reportedly reaching back out to Rex Ryan regarding the gig.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the news on the Pat McAfee Show.

Dallas is looking to replace ex-DC Dan Quinn, who left to become the Washington Commanders' head coach.

There was some dispute regarding Zimmer's status during the Super Bowl episode of Sunday NFL Countdown between Schefter and Ryan, a current ESPN NFL analyst.

Schefter said the Cowboys "went ahead and hired" Zimmer. Ryan cast some doubt on that.

"First off, I'm not so sure Zimmer has that job right now," Ryan said (h/t CBS Sports' Tyler Sullivan and Garrett Podell.) "I'm not sure about that. I can honestly say I don't believe that's a fact right now."

Schefter did note, however, how much Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and his family loved Ryan.

"Obviously, they talked to a wide number of candidates, like our own Rex Ryan, and I can tell you this: they loved Rex," Schefter said. "They were highly impressed with Rex. Rex made quite a mark on the Jones family. I'm a little surprised they didn't hire him, with as much as they loved him."

Zimmer, 67, notably served as the Minnesota Vikings' head coach from 2014-2021. Previous coaching stints also included the Cowboys (1994-2006). He was Dallas' DC from 2000-2006. Zimmer then worked as the Atlanta Falcons' defensive coordinator (2007) and Cincinnati Bengals' DC (2008-2013) before heading to Minnesota.

Ryan coached in the NFL from 1999-2016. He served on the Baltimore Ravens' staff from 1999-2008, rising to the rank of defensive coordinator (2005-2008).

The 61-year-old then became the New York Jets' head coach (2009-2014), leading Gang Green to back-to-back AFC Championship Games in 2009 and 2010. He then worked as the Buffalo Bills' head coach in 2015 and 2016.