Rex Ryan eyeing Maryland job in potential coaching return

Rex Ryan sees a future in coaching again, and this time in the college ranks, as the ESPN analyst is showing interest in the newly vacant head coaching position at the University of Maryland.The former Jets coach is putting out feelers for the Terps job, according to Jeff Ermann of 247 Sports.The opening comes after Maryland fired head coach Mike Locksley during a 12-game losing streak in Big Ten play. Locksley, who’s been with the program for nine seasons, was let go shortly after the Terrapins’ 37-30 loss at home to Rutgers.Ryan, 63, hasn’t put on the coaching headset since the Bills fired him in 2016, but he could bring the competitive fire Maryland’s program needs.

He’s also familiar with the area, as Ryan spent 10 years 30 miles south of College Park as a position coach and defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. Hiring Ryan would create a “Deion-level buzz with actual coaching ability behind it,” according to Ermann.Much like Jim Harbaugh in his early years at Michigan, Ryan would consistently attract valuable media attention to Maryland.

His deep affection for the state, developed during his tenure with the Ravens, also makes it highly likely that he could assemble a star-studded coaching staff.During his eight years of head coaching, Ryan has a 61-66 overall record and made a pair of trips to the AFC Championship game with the Jets in his first two seasons.He spoke with Giants coach Jon Harbaugh last offseason about potentially coming on as defensive coordinator.

Ryan last coached in college in 1998 as defensive coordinator at Oklahoma.Ryan would join other former NFL coaches Bill Belichick, Bill O’Brien, and Matt Rhule at the collegiate level.Maryland has some intriguing options for the head coaching role, with former LSU coach Brian Kelly also mentioned, along with Memphis coach Charles Huff, New Mexico’s Jason Eck and Wake Forest’s Jake Dickert being among the hot names for openings.Aazaar Abdul-Rahim is currently Marylan...