According to Mike Klis of 9News in the Denver area, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans has emerged as a top candidate to become the next head coach of the Denver Broncos.
Ryans interviewed in person with the Broncos on January 19, ahead of the 49ers' Divisional Round playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys. The assistant coach also interviewed with the Houston Texans but canceled recently scheduled interviews with the Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals to focus on this past Sunday's game.
Ryans and the 49ers beat the Cowboys 19-12, advancing to the NFL Championship Game on Sunday, where they will face the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
Pro Football Talk reported that the Broncos could decide on their next head coach as early as this week. But, of course, if they choose Ryans, they will have to wait until the 49ers' season is complete to make it official. That wait could last until after the Super Bowl if the Niners beat the Eagles on Sunday.