A report emerged Monday afternoon of the Denver Broncos missing out on another head-coaching candidate.
According to the Denver Gazette‘s Woody Paige, DeMeco Ryans informed the Broncos that he’s no longer interested in the job. Paige called the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Denver’s “third No. 1 choice.”
However, KOA Colorado’s Benjamin Allbright disputed that claim.
Per Albright, Ryans was Denver’s second top option behind Jim Harbaugh, who decided to stay in Michigan. Allbright added that Ryans has yet to formally pull his candidacy, but he expects the 38-year-old to become the Houston Texans head coach.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said the Texans could formally hire Ryans as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday. He called the former Texans linebacker their “top candidate all along.”
Ryans spent his first six seasons in Houston, where he won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2006 and made two Pro Bowls in 2007 and 2009. His 49ers defense ranked first in yards and points allowed this season.
The other top candidate Paige referenced might be Dan Quinn, who will remain the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator. Sean Payton also looked like a leading option, but the two sides haven’t scheduled a second interview.
Per Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the Broncos told Raheem Morris, David Shaw, Jim Caldwell, and Ejiro Evero that they’re looking elsewhere after interviewing each candidate.
Denver presumably must expand its search to find a replacement for Nathaniel Hackett, who got fired before completing his first season.