There is a chance Ryan could return as defensive coordinator if he doesn't become a head coach.
That decision would ultimately be made by the Ravens' new coach, but Ryan doesn't want to work "for just anybody."
"If it's the right kind of person, maybe I would listen, because this has been a special place for me," Ryan said. "But I'm definitely not going to sell myself short."
Although Ryan was fired, he technically has a year remaining on his contract. The Ravens might be able to block him from taking another defensive coordinator job under league rules. The Cincinnati Bengals yesterday fired their defensive coordinator, Chuck Bresnahan, and Ryan could be a candidate to replace him.
But the Ravens couldn't stop him from becoming a head coach, because it's a promotion.
And if the Falcons would offer the top job to Ryan, he'd be gone. In that scenario, he said it would be unprofessional to go back to the Ravens and give them a chance to keep him.
"I don't think you can do that," Ryan said. "If a team is gracious enough to give you that kind of position, obviously I'm going to take it full speed ahead."
jamison.hensley@baltsun.com
