Rex Ryan Eyed by Giants for DC Job, Why Didn't John Harbaugh Hire Former HC?

Rex Ryan was the defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens during John Harbaugh's first season as the team's head coach in 2008, and a reunion was at least a possibility before the new leader of the New York Giants went elsewhere.

Ian O'Conner of The Athletic reported that Harbaugh considered Ryan for the defensive coordinator spot in New York before going with Dennard Wilson in part because of a "strong recommendation" from new Ravens head coach Jesse Minter.

"I talked to Rex about that job at length," Harbaugh said. "Rex is a guy I love and have a lot of respect for."

Hiring Ryan would have been a high-profile move, as he was the head coach of the New York Jets from 2009 through 2014 and the Buffalo Bills in 2015 and 2016. He went 61-66 overall during those eight seasons, but the Jets haven't been to the playoffs since he was their head coach in the 2010 campaign.

It's also hard to argue with the results the last time Harbaugh and Ryan were together, as the 2008 Ravens reached the AFC Championship Game with a defense that finished third in the league in points allowed and second in yards allowed.

Still, Ryan has been away from the coaching ranks for a decade and is currently an ESPN analyst.

Harbaugh instead decided on Wilson, who was Baltimore's defensive backs coach in 2023 and was previously on staffs for the Chicago Bears, St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams, Jets and Philadelphia Eagles.

Most recently, he was the defensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans the past two seasons. While the 2024 Titans were an ugly 3-14 overall, the defense that finished second in yards allowed under Wilson was a bright spot.

Wilson and Harbaugh have their work cut out for them, as the Giants were 4-13 last season with a defense that was 26th in points allowed and 28th in yards allowed.

The bright spots on New York's offense are largely on offense with Malik Nabers, Cam Skattebo and Jaxson Dart, so it will require an impressive coaching job to turn things around as soon as 2026.