It looks like San Francisco may be able to retain rising star defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans — a strong start to an offseason with plenty of uncertainty.
Ryans turned down a second interview for the Minnesota Vikings’ head coaching position, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Pelissero noted that Ryans is “opting to further his development in San Francisco” on Kyle Shanahan’s staff.
Ryans, 37, joined the 49ers organization as a defensive quality control coach in 2017. He worked his way up to inside linebackers coach, then took over at defensive coordinator when Robert Saleh departed for New York before the 2021 season.
Under Ryans, San Francisco’s defense found its form down the stretch of the season. SF held its opponents to 24 points or fewer in each of the last eight games, including playoffs. The Niners shut down the Cowboys and Packers— two of the sport’s most explosive offenses — in the Wild Card and Divisional Round, respectively.
San Francisco masked its relatively weak secondary by playing zone coverage and getting consistent pressure without committing extra pass-rushers to blitzing.
The 49ers recorded the second most defensive adjusted line yards — a measurement of defensive line strength — per Football Outsiders. The defense overall finished seventh in defensive DVOA.
Industry observers previously speculated which team might hire Ryans as their next head coach. Ryans interviewed with Minnesota on Jan. 23 and the Las Vegas Raiders were rumored to be interested in Ryans as well before hiring Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
Organizations now with head coach openings include Minnesota, New Orleans, Houston, Jacksonville and Miami (49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel is reportedly a top candidate for the Dolphins gig).
But if Ryans plans on continuing to grow in the Bay, the coaching carousel may have to go around another cycle for Ryans to hop into the mix.