Smith Urges Cowboys to Hire Rex Ryan
Stephen A. Smith suggested Jerry Jones bring in former Jets coach Rex Ryan as Dallas defensive coordinator after a 3-5 start.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Football
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ESPN's Stephen A. Smith called for Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to hire Rex Ryan as defensive coordinator during a Monday rant on First Take. Smith made the case after the Cowboys lost to the Arizona Cardinals in overtime following a blown double-digit second-half lead.
Why it matters
The Cowboys sit at 3-5 under head coach Brian Schottenheimer, raising questions about a possible midseason change to the coaching staff. Smith argued Ryan could prepare the team better with four days' notice than Schottenheimer has all season.
The Cowboys are 3-5 following an overtime loss to Arizona after blowing a double-digit second-half lead. Ryan's last NFL head coaching stint ended in 2016 with the Buffalo Bills, and the extraction does not indicate any Cowboys response to the suggestion.
The players
Stephen A. Smith
Stephen A. Smith is a prominent ESPN sports commentator and host of First Take known for his outspoken opinions on the NFL.
Rex Ryan
Rex Ryan is a former NFL head coach who led the New York Jets for six seasons and now works as an ESPN analyst.
Jerry Jones
Jerry Jones is the longtime owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, known for his active role in team decisions.
Brian Schottenheimer
Brian Schottenheimer is the current head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.
The details
Smith made the suggestion during the Monday episode of First Take, criticizing the Cowboys' performance and their current coaching setup. Ryan, now an ESPN analyst, was interviewed for the Jets' head coaching vacancy before Aaron Glenn was hired last season.
Timeline
2011: The Jets' last playoff win came under Rex Ryan.
2016: Ryan last coached in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills.
Last season: The Jets hired Aaron Glenn after interviewing Ryan.
Monday, November 2, 2026: Smith made the suggestion on First Take.
Season Trajectory
Ryan's Jets tenure, which produced their last playoff win in 2011, is the backdrop for Smith's pitch to shake up a Cowboys team now at 3-5. The debate reflects how a 3-5 start can push a franchise toward midseason coaching changes.
The Cowboys' 3-5 record and potential coaching staff changes could affect fantasy lineups and how Dallas fans track the rest of the season. Any move involving Ryan would directly shape the defensive game plan going forward.
The takeaway
A 3-5 start with a blown lead makes coordinator changes a live topic, and Smith's pitch shows how quickly outside voices can push a team's staffing debate into public view.
Further reading
Explore more Dallas Cowboys coverage for the latest on the team's season.
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Should the Dallas Cowboys fire their head coach midseason?
