One of the New England Patriots’ former foes appears to be nearing a return to the NFL. Per a report by NFL Network, Rex Ryan has “emerged as a top candidate” to become the next defensive coordinator of the Denver Broncos.
Ryan, 60, rose to prominence as an assistant coach with the Baltimore Ravens in the early 2000s. The son of former NFL coach Buddy Ryan served as the team’s defensive coordinator between 2005 and 2008, playing a key role in establishing the Patriots-Ravens rivalry that would soon become one of the fiercest in all of football.