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Kansas City Chiefs: Who will be the next defensive coordinator?

By Arrowhead Addict Staff

GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 15: Defensive Coordinator Bob Sutton of the Kansas City Chiefs on the sidelines during the pre-season NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on August 15, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chiefs defeated the Cardinals 34-19. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 15: Defensive Coordinator Bob Sutton of the Kansas City Chiefs on the sidelines during the pre-season NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on August 15, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chiefs defeated the Cardinals 34-19. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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ORCHARD PARK, NY – DECEMBER 18: Head coach Rex Ryan of the Buffalo Bills answers questions after beating the Cleveland Browns 33-13 at New Era Field on December 18, 2016 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY – DECEMBER 18: Head coach Rex Ryan of the Buffalo Bills answers questions after beating the Cleveland Browns 33-13 at New Era Field on December 18, 2016 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

REX RYAN

I hate it, but Rex Ryan makes a lot of sense for the Chiefs. Ryan has always been one of my least favorite coaches in the NFL, but it has had nothing to do with his coaching abilities. He has a certain fire and way he carries himself that drives me crazy. However, it may be exactly what the Chiefs need.

While Ryan’s career as a head coach was less than ideal, with a career record of 61-66, he was always able to produce excellent defenses. In fact, in his 12 years as a head coach and/or defensive coordinator, he has only had three seasons in which his defense was not in the top ten in yards allowed. Additionally, head coaching experience could prove to be huge if Reid “hands him the keys” to the entire defense as he did with Sutton in the past six years.

With a great amount of passion and fire, Ryan could turn things around quickly. That being said, I have heard fans gripe about his system being too similar to Bob Sutton’s. That is not necessarily a bad thing. If Ryan’s defense is a more aggressive version that can make adjustments, it makes even more sense for players that have been in Kansas City in the previous seasons.

Ryan is not my favorite guy in the NFL, but I do believe that he would make the biggest impact of the candidates available. [Grant Tuttle]

All that anyone can remember about Rex Ryan are from when he was a head coach for the Buffalo Bills and the New York Jets. Ryan’s record as a head coach was not great, but his years as a defensive coordinator were fantastic.

During his nine-year run with the Baltimore Ravens, his defense never ranked lower than sixth overall and was integral to their win in Super Bowl 35. On top of this Ryan received the Assistant Coach Of The Year award from both Pro Football Weekly and Pro Football Writers Association in 2006.

Ryan is also a coach that will require accountability on defense, something that has been missing during Bob Sutton’s tenure. While there are questions about how well Ryan and Reid would mesh, if the Chiefs are looking for someone with a proven track record, then Ryan is the guy. The situation is fluid though, and other candidates could become available soon. [Kody Latham]

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