49ers’ DeMeco Ryans explains why he is ‘ready’ to be NFL head coach

Ryans explains why he’s ‘ready’ to be NFL head coach originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea

DeMeco Ryans is ready to become an NFL head coach.

In an interview with ESPN, Ryans, the 49ers defensive coordinator, thinks the time is right for him to pursue one of the many head coaching vacancies in the league.

“For me, with the head coach thing, it’s like, ‘Are you ready, man? ” Ryans told ESPN. “Yeah, I’m ready to go do it… It will be the first time.

“But I figured out everything else. I’m pretty sure I’ll figure it out too.”

Ryans’ new mindset comes nearly a year after he turned down a second interview with the Minnesota Vikings, opting to stay with the 49ers to work on his craft and better prepare for the opportunities ahead.

As Ryans makes San Francisco one of the best defenses in the league in the second half, the Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos and Houston Texans have asked permission to interview him for their head coaching overtures.

“It’s very humbling to be able to get requests for head coaching interviews,” Ryans told reporters after the Jan. 11 practice. many years, a guy like [49ers running backs coach] Bobby Turner comes to mind and all the years he’s had, so I think of guys like that and them not being able to get the opportunity and me, really being able to go and represent them.

“And that’s what it means, it means a lot to the other guys who have been before me. And it’s special to be able to be in a select group, to have head coaching interviews and people asking, it’s a special moment, it’s a proud moment and I’m very grateful and thankful to be spoken to from this angle, I’m very humbled, very grateful for these opportunities.

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Ryans, one of the top head coaching candidates available, told reporters after practice Thursday that his interview with the Broncos would take place in person later in the day.

With a host of teams vying for his services, Ryans would be “picky” about the job he chooses, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.

RELATED: Ryans humiliated by interview request for NFL head coaching jobs

As Ryans and the 49ers prepare for an NFC Divisional Round clash with the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium, no one can say for sure what will happen as the playoffs progress.

But one thing is certain: whatever happens next, Ryans will be ready.

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