The Carolina Panthers are among four teams that have requested permission to interview San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans for a head coaching job. In fact, the only team with a coaching vacancy that has not put in a request is the Indianapolis Colts.
Interestingly, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports that the Panthers do not currently intend to host Ryans for an interview. Assistant coaches on NFL teams playing this weekend can be interviewed starting on Tuesday. Assistant coaches on the two teams playing on Monday night must wait until Wednesday.
Kaye states that "logistics" is the reason for the Panthers stalling on Ryans.
"Both parties could circle back later in the process," wrote Kaye.
Despite asking for permission to interview #49ers DC DeMeco Ryans, the #Panthers will not host Ryans for an interview, per league source.
Logistics are cited for the reasoning, per the source. Both parties could circle back later in the process.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) January 13, 2023
Ryans has been with the 49ers since 2017, replacing Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator in 2021. His defense finished the 2022 regular season ranked No. 1 in points and yards allowed per game. San Francisco is preparing to open the playoffs by hosting the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday at Levi's Stadium.
"The interviews and those things, they'll take care of themselves at the right time," Ryans said this past week. "The focus is all about Seattle for me. It's all about that, what can we do."
The other three teams that have requested to speak with Ryans are the Houston Texans, Denver Broncos, and Arizona Cardinals.