The housecleaning of the Ravens‘ coaching staff might not be that thorough. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said he would be open to bringing back recently fired defensive coordinator Rex Ryan and special teams coach Frank Gansz.
Ryan is not opposed to returning to the staff because of his respect for Harbaugh, according to a source close to the situation. The two coaches were assistants together at the University of Cincinnati in 1996 and had a good relationship, the source added.
“I’m very hopeful that it works out,” Harbaugh said. “It’s going to come down to what Rex wants to do. I know him, I trust him, I believe in him. I love the guy.”
Ryan is still a finalist for the Atlanta Falcons? head coaching position. He has interviewed twice with the Falcons and was once considered the favorite. The Falcons offered the position to Dallas Cowboys assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, but were turned down.
Ryan also interviewed with the Ravens and was supported in his campaign by many players. He did not receive a second interview.
Ravens’ owner Steve Bisciotti, who fired Ryan along with Gansz and all of former coach Brian Billick?s staff Dec. 31, said Ryan is still welcome to lead the team?s defense.
“I think very highly of Rex,” Bisciotti said. “I talked to [Atlanta owner] Arthur Blank about Rex a half-hour ago [Saturday morning], and if Rex doesn’t get the Atlanta job ? I hope he does ? then I hope he stays here.”
Bisciotti, however, said Harbaugh would have autonomy in selecting his staff.
Harbaugh was named the NFL Special Teams Coach of the Year in 2001, largely because of his demanding nature and overachieving units. He sees similar traits in Gansz, who has been with the Ravens for two seasons.
“You have a good one right now. Frank Gansz is a good coach,” Harbaugh said. “I’ve known Frank for forever. I don’t how it’s going to shake out, what Frank wants to do or if other options will be there, but Frank Gansz can coach.”
Harbaugh refused to speculate on who he would hire as offensive coordinator, but it is expected he will interview Philadelphia quarterbacks coach Pat Shurmur. He could also speak with his former boss at the University of Indiana, Cam Cameron. Cameron was fired this month as head coach of the Miami Dolphins after going 1-15, but was a successful coordinator with the San Diego Chargers two years ago.
