An intriguing scenario unfolded on ESPN before the Super Bowl on Sunday afternoon. Prominent NFL reporter Adam Schefter revealed that the Dallas Cowboys have hired Mike Zimmer as their fresh defensive coordinator. Fellow ESPN analyst Rex Ryan promptly refuted this claim, asserting that he was still in contention for the position.
During the network’s pregame coverage of the Super Bowl, Schefter presented a report stating that the Cowboys are expected to appoint former head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, Mike Zimmer, as their new defensive coordinator. This news came as a surprise to Ryan, who did not hesitate to express his disagreement.
“This week, the Dallas Cowboys proceeded to hire Mike Zimmer as their defensive coordinator,” Schefter announced. “Naturally, they considered numerous candidates, including our very own Rex Ryan… They were highly impressed by Rex and held him in high regard.”
Host Sam Ponder made a lighthearted remark about other teams attempting to poach Ryan from ESPN, which elicited laughter from everyone present, including Ryan himself.
However, Ryan soon adopted a more serious tone and stated, “I can honestly say… I’m not entirely convinced that Zimmer has secured the job at this time… I don’t believe it to be a factual statement at this moment.”
Schefter subsequently retracted his report on Monday. During his regular appearance on the Pat McAfee show, he distanced himself from his initial statement. He also expressed surprise when Ryan interjected and contradicted him.
“You guys aren’t the only ones taken aback by that, right,” Schefter remarked to McAfee. “I hear that, and I think, ‘What on earth?'”
McAfee inquired whether Ryan is still being considered by the Cowboys.
“Mike Zimmer’s deal isn’t finalized yet, so they have reached out to Rex… They reached out to him about 15 minutes before that segment, just to ask, ‘Hey, any chance of this?’ So that’s where the confusion arose… the deal isn’t completed yet,” Schefter responded.
Ed Werder, another ESPN reporter who frequently covers the Cowboys, then confirmed that Ryan is still a potential candidate for the team’s vacant defensive coordinator position.
However, merely a few hours later, NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport revealed that the agreement between Zimmer and the Cowboys has now been finalized, making him the team’s new defensive coordinator.
Therefore, Schefter’s initial report was accurate. This raises the question: did the Cowboys lead Ryan on to gain leverage in negotiations with Zimmer?
It certainly appears that way. However, despite its apparent conclusion, this story seems far from over.
According to the Source outkick.com