Christopher Walsh’s All Things CW notes column is published in five parts each week, with the latest on the Alabama Crimson Tide. That is …
take 4
Jalen hurts The Philadelphia Eagles may be thinking about the Super Bowl, and the quarterback will face his former offensive coordinator Brian Daboll with the New York Giants in the division playoffs, but the most popular person in the NFL this week is someone else with an Alabama Crimson Tide connection.
On Sunday, the 49ers welcome the Cowboys to the line with a spot in the NFC Championship Game. San Francisco defensive coordinator on Thursday and Friday DeMeco Ryans will apply for numerous open head coaching jobs.
He is reportedly meeting with the Broncos on Thursday, followed by the Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans on Friday. The Carolina Panthers also want to talk to him, but neither side has been able to schedule anything yet.
“I think my advice is that you just have to put that off until certain times that you’re going to be dealing with it,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said during his press conference Monday.
“DeMeco is so naturally talented and he’s good at everything he’s ever done and he really understands football.”
Ryans is 38 years old. He was a standout linebacker for the Crimson Tide and immensely popular with his teammates before being the first pick by the Texans in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. The Defensive Rookie of the Year was selected to two Pro Bowls before being traded to Philadelphia in 2012, where he played his final four seasons.
Since joining the 49ers in 2017, he has shot through the coaching ranks and was named defensive coordinator in 2021.
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In the inaugural season, his defense ranked third in the league for total yards and 10th for total points allowed. San Francisco was first in both games last season and had three All-Pro selections.
Linebacker Fred Warner: “He’s the best. And I’m not just saying that because he’s obviously my coach. I know what greatness looks like and he shows it every day.”
If you’re wondering how Ryans is able to do so many interviews in the middle of the playoffs, most of the Cowboys’ game schedule is in place by Thursday. The league has also set a number of deadlines to help coaches in this situation.
Last year, Ryans ran for the Vikings head coaching job but pulled out because he didn’t feel ready. That shouldn’t be anymore.
Consider the financial stability Ryans has as a player and he can afford not only to be picky but to wait for the position that is right for him and his family.
“For me, the head coaching thing, it’s like, ‘You ready man?'” Ryans told ESPN. “Yes, I am willing to do it. … It will be the first time. But I figured out everything else. I’m pretty sure I’ll find out too.”
See also:
Take 1: First hot board for Alabama defensive coordinator
Take 2: Alabama basketball slowly finds its way through shock, pain
Take 3: First Alabama Predictions for the 2023 NFL Draft