Vikings interview 49ers DC DeMeco Ryans for head-coaching vacancy

The Vikings interviewed 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans for their head-coaching position on Sunday afternoon, per a club announcement. Ryans, who is also in the mix for the Raiders’ vacancy, is one of 10 candidates being considered by Minnesota.

Ryans, a longtime NFL linebacker, has been with the Niners since 2017. After one season as SF’s defensive quality coach, Ryan coached the team’s inside linebackers for three seasons before graduating to defensive coordinator in 2021.

Now, he’s making a strong case for another step up, especially after his defense held Aaron Rodgers and the Packers to just 10 points on Saturday. In the regular season, his Niners D finished third in yards allowed and ninth in points allowed. While Ryans remains focused on the NFC Championship Game, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him land a head-coaching job in the coming weeks.

For now, Ryans is one of just a handful of known candidates on the Raiders’ radar, alongside interim HC Rich Bisaccia, Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo and (possibly) Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh. Meanwhile, the Vikings’ list includes:

• Todd Bowles, defensive coordinator (Buccaneers): Interviewed Jan. 21
• Jonathan Gannon, defensive coordinator (Eagles): Interviewed Jan. 20
• Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): Mentioned as candidate
• Nathaniel Hackett, offensive coordinator (Packers): Interviewed Jan. 16
• Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator (Cowboys): Interview requested
• Raheem Morris, defensive coordinator (Rams): Interviewed Jan. 21
• Kevin O’Connell, offensive coordinator (Rams): Interviewed Jan. 21
• Dan Quinn, defensive coordinator (Cowboys): Interviewed 1Jan. 19
• Doug Pederson, former head coach (Eagles): Interview requested
• DeMeco Ryans, defensive coordinator (49ers): Interviewed Jan. 23