DeMeco Ryans, Vic Fangio may be linked, but neither move helps Broncos

The Denver Broncos are still looking for a head coach.

And it’s looking more and more like that won’t be San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans. Even though Ryans was Denver’s “top candidate” last week, momentum started building for him to head to Houston and coach the Texans. With the Niners loss to the Eagles in Sunday’s NFC Championship Game, Ryans is now free to do what he likes.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirmed on Monday morning that Houston is still very likely the destination for Ryans.

The #Texans and #49ers DC DeMeco Ryans could meet as soon as this afternoon after he handles his SF responsibilities. If all goes well, a hire could be finalized Tuesday or Wednesday, sources say. Their top candidate all along, it appears a homecoming is on its way to happening.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 30, 2023

“If all goes well” essentially means if there are no snags in contract talks, Ryans will be Houston’s next head coach. He’s the latest candidate the Broncos have seemingly missed out on. Jim Harbaugh keeps rejecting Denver, Dan Quinn is headed back to Dallas and the Sean Payton saga keeps getting weirder.

Meanwhile, despite a report over the weekend that Vic Fangio is headed to the Dolphins, that appeared to be premature. Now, with Ryans leaving the 49ers, Fangio could end up back in the Bay Area. The former Broncos head coach sat out the 2022 season.

For what it's worth, Vic Fangio told me late last night, "Nothing has been decided on my end." There is a huge amount of mutual respect between Kyle Shanahan and Fangio, a highly successful Niners DC under Jim Harbaugh. And it appears the 49ers will have an opening soon.

— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) January 30, 2023

So, Ryans and Fangio may be linked, but with neither move helping the Broncos.

It’s the wildest NFL coaching carousel we’ve ever seen, and right now Denver is just spinning and spinning. Let’s hope the ride stops soon, for everyone’s sake.

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