Defensive coordinator Rex Ryan has emerged as one of the top candidates to become head coach of the New York Jets.
Ryan, 46, spent five hours on Sunday interviewing with Jets officials and three more speaking with St. Louis Rams officials regarding their opening to replace Jim Haslett. Last year, Ryan was a candidate for head coach vacancies in Baltimore, Miami and Atlanta, but did not receive an offer.
The Ravens have consistently had one of the best defenses in the league under Ryan, who took over as coordinator in 2005. The Ravens ranked second in total defense this year (261.1 ypg).
“He has all the qualifications that you could ask for,” Ravens safety Jim Leonhard said. “If he doesn’t get a head coaching job somewhere I will be surprised. He’s a tremendous guy to play for and I think he will be a great head coach.”
TEAM INSPIRATION The Ravens continue to rally behind O.J, Brigance, the team director of player development, who is battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” Brigance, whose health is deteriorating, has traveled with the Ravens during the playoffs and was awarded the game ball in the locker room by safety Ed Reed on Saturday.
Brigance, who was a linebacker on the Ravens when they won Super Bowl XXXV in 2001, also won a Grey Cup with the Baltimore Stallions in 1995.
“He’s an inspiration,” linebacker Bart Scott said. “He’s the greatest man I know in my life. A lot of people can talk the talk. He’s always been a man of faith but when some people are faced with the test, they can’t walk the walk. He walked the walk. He’s proven every day that God is an awesome God and he proven every day that there’s something far greater out there than football.”
INJURY UPDATE Coach John Harbaugh did not disclose much regarding the status of several injured players going entering Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Cornerback Samari Rolle (groin), Leonhard (concussion) and linebacker Terrell Suggs (right shoulder) were all injured during the 13-10 victory over Tennessee.
Harbaugh, however, is optimistic Suggs would play against Pittsburgh.
“We’re just going to have to see how it goes,” Harbaugh said. “It’s going to be close.”
Suggs, who hasn’t missed a game in his six-year career, doesn’t expect his streak to end on Sunday.
“Check my track record,” Suggs said. “I don’t miss games. The only way I wouldn’t be there is if I didn’t have air in my lungs. I will see you on Sunday.”
