Rob Ryan is out the door as the Dallas Cowboys' defensive coordinator. The players aren't happy, but the show will go on. Possibly with a bigger coaching name.
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Kiffin had a long run of success as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defensive coordinator from 1996 to 2008 before disastrous stints working with his son, Lane, with Tennessee and USC in the college ranks. Monte Kiffin resigned after USC's bowl game last month to pursue opportunities in the NFL.
Kiffin is 72 years old and would bring a far different approach to the Cowboys' defense. It has been a 3-4 group since Bill Parcells arrived in 2003, and some of Dallas' best talent (Sean Lee, DeMarcus Ware, Bruce Carter) really fit to a 3-4 approach.
Rapoport noted that the Kansas City Chiefs also were interested in Kiffin. But ESPN's Ed Werder reported Kiffin was not interested in working for Kansas City. It's remarkable Kiffin can dictate where he gets a job.
Cowboys coach Jason Garrett and Kiffin have worked together before; Garrett was a reserve quarterback for the Bucs in 2004.
Update: The Dallas Morning News reported that Kiffin interviewed with Garrett and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on Thursday afternoon.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.
