Cowboys fire Rob Ryan; DC proclaims 'I'm too damn good'

Rob Ryan is no longer defensive coordinator of the Cowboys after being fired Tuesday. (Photo: Greg Bartram, USA TODAY Sports)

Story Highlights

• Ryan is out of Dallas after two seasons
• Ryan guided the Cowboys to the 19th-ranked defense in the NFL, despite a plethora of injuries
• Ryan confident: 'I'll be out of work for like five minutes'

  Rob Ryan is the first high-profile casualty from another non-playoff season for the Dallas Cowboys as the defensive coordinator was fired Tuesday after two seasons, the team confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.

  "I inherited a team that was 31st in the league in defense and made them better," Ryan told ESPNDallas.com. "I (expletive) made them a hell of a lot better. I'll be out of work for like five minutes."

  Ryan's 19th-ranked unit was ravaged by injuries, missing five starters when it was shredded for 200 rushing yards by Alfred Morris in the season-ending loss at the Washington Redskins that setlled the NFC East.

  EXPLANATION: Rex Ryan on Mark Sanchez tattoo

  After that game, the boisterous Ryan hinted that he might not be back. He told the Dallas Morning News on Tuesday that he's content with the Cowboys' decision.

  "I enjoyed my time here. I have no hard feelings," Ryan said. "But it doesn't matter if I coach here or not. I will find another spot. I'm too damn good.''

  It appears that head coach Jason Garrett is safe, despite the 8-8 finish that marked Dallas' third consecutive finish out of the playoffs. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently told USA TODAY Sports that he was committed to Garrett.

  Still, with former Dallas coordinator Norv Turner fired as San Diego Chargers coach, there is speculation that he could be pursued to help bolster the Cowboys offense.

  Garrett offered some words of appreciation for Ryan in a statement.

  "I want to express my appreciation to Rob for all of his efforts and contributions to the Cowboys over the past two years," Garrett said. "At this time, the decision has been made to move forward in a different direction philosophically on defense. I have an immense amount of respect for Rob as a person and as a football coach and I wish him and his family the very best."
  Source : http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2013/01/08/cowboys-fire-rob-ryan-defensive-coordinator/1819287/