Rob Ryan keeps up family tradition of oversell, under-deliver

Rob Ryan was fired by the Dallas Cowboys after a second consecutive 8-8 season, and after another year of his defense being incapable of holding onto a lead when handed to them. Of course, he considers himself a scapegoat and is (genuinely, I believe) shocked that Jerry Jones gave him the boot, according to Dan Hanzus of ESPN:

“Oh yeah, look, I was a little shocked,” Ryan told ESPNDallas.com after watching a Dallas Mavericks-Golden State Warriors game on Saturday night. “I knew they had to do something after an 8-8 season. They choose me to be the guy, sure.”

Translation: Jerry Jones was looking for a scapegoat and I was his choice.
“Better coaches than me have been fired,” Ryan said. “Just not many.”

Shortly after being fired, while on vacation with his wife, Ryan boasted he would have a job in “five minutes.” Now, we get this }not many coaches better than me” line.

Last week, Ryan was offered the St. Louis Rams job. Apparently, however, Jeff Fisher sobered up just in time to realize what a colossal mistake adding the flamboyant, over-cusser to his staff would be and withdrew the proposal, leaving Ryan still unemployed.

By the Numbers: Monte Kiffin vs. Rob Ryan

It has been four days since the Dallas Cowboys officially hired Monte Kiffin to take over as defensive coordinator.

If you respect Larry Lacewell’s opinion—and a certain owner obviously does—you have reason for optimism. The former scouting director has told several reporters that Kiffin will have no trouble making his mark in Dallas.

Meanwhile, Rob Ryan will reportedly become defensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams. One of several reasons cited for the change in Dallas was that the defense under Ryan simply lacked discipline.

There will be plenty of time to debate the pros and cons of this move, but here are a few numbers to consider.

Why did Jerry Jones fire Rob Ryan?

Well, see ya later

Why did Jerry Jones fire Rob Ryan?

After the season was over, Jones famously said that things were going to be uncomfortable around Valley Ranch. He promised, in so many words, significant change.

But why Rob Ryan?

Sure, the defense was porous and played poorly. But Ryan had to assemble a team that excluded as many as seven of his starters. The team’s top tackler from a year ago, Sean Lee, went down early. His replacement Bruce Carter followed Lee to the Injured Reserve list. Safety Barry Church was gone before the season began. DeMarcus Ware was hobbled much of the season by a nagging arm injury and assorted other ailments.Jay Ratliff was injured most of the year.

Ryan’s squad resembled an intensive care unit more than a defensive unit.

Football analysts mostly seemed to agree that Ryan did a remarkable job, considering the devastation on the squad.

So, why did he become the sacrificial lamb?