What DeMeco Ryans could bring to the Raiders as their head coach?

The Raiders are interested in interviewing San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans, and here is what they would do for the organization.

The ever-developing story of who will be the next Raiders coach continues to take unexpected turns. Most of Raider Nation is clinging to the possibility of Jim Harbaugh taking over the Silver and Black.

However, much of that front has gone silent with no real developments. Apparently, former Denver Broncos head coach and current New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is also in the running.

DeMeco Ryans would present a different route for owner Mark Davis.

A former NFL linebacker, Ryans has flourished in San Francisco. The 2006 Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year, Ryans started his coaching career in 2017 in the defensive quality control department. Then, from 2018 through 2020, Ryans was the inside linebackers coach, grooming players such as Fred Warner and Reuben Foster, and his work was so impressive that he was promoted to defensive coordinator ahead of the 2021 season.

Ryans’ small body of work is remarkable

Now fully in charge of the Niners’ defense, Ryans has overseen one of the NFL’s best defensive units. San Francisco surrendered 3,510 passing yards in the past regular season, which was sixth in the league. On the ground, they only surrendered 1,760 rushing yards, good for seventh while giving up just 4.0 yards per carry on average. Even more noteworthy is the fact that Ryans’ defense only yielded 318 first downs in the entire year, ending the regular season as sixth-best in the NFL.

A closer look at his body of work in his lone season as defensive coordinator is remarkable. The 49ers ended the 2021 regular season ranked third in yards surrendered and ninth in points given up. San Francisco’s passing defense was stout, 12th in passing touchdowns, and was solid when it came to turnovers too. In fact, they were 19th in total takeaways, which includes interceptions and forced fumbles.

Raiders defense would improve significantly

In the possible scenario that Ryans would become the Raiders’ head coach, the defense would instantly see an improvement. He’d likely take over play-calling duties, which would mean Gus Bradley is the odd man out. Ryans’ success with any team as their head coach will be contingent on getting a solid, if not elite, offensive play-caller.