Overview

Rob Ryan is an American professional football coach. Born in Ardmore, Oklahoma, in December 1962, he comes from a football family as the son of the late NFL coach Buddy Ryan and the twin brother of NFL coach Rex Ryan. He played defensive end for Southwestern Oklahoma State. Ryan’s coaching career began as an assistant at Western Kentucky in 1987, followed by a stint at Ohio State in 1988. He then spent several years at Tennessee State coaching various positions. His NFL journey started in 1994 with the Arizona Cardinals, where he coached defensive backs under his father. Ryan has since held defensive coordinator positions with multiple NFL teams, including the Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, and New Orleans Saints. In 2016, he joined his brother Rex with the Buffalo Bills as an assistant head coach and defensive coordinator.

USC Trojans

Assistant Head Coach

What Is Rob Ryan Net Worth?

As of 2024, Rob Ryan, an American professional football coach, has an estimated net worth of approximately $12 million. This wealth has been accumulated over his extensive coaching career in the National Football League (NFL). His income primarily comes from coaching salaries and potential endorsements. While specific details regarding his personal assets, such as real estate holdings and investments, are not publicly disclosed, his career trajectory provides insight into how he has achieved this financial standing.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Robert Allen “Rob” Ryan was born on December 13, 1962, in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Rob’s early life was steeped in football, as his father, Buddy Ryan, was a celebrated NFL coach. Following his parents’ divorce in 1966, Rob and his twin brother, Rex, moved with their mother to Toronto, Canada. In 1974, they returned to the United States to live with their father. He attended Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois, where he showcased his athletic talents. He pursued his education and football career at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, playing defensive end alongside his brother, Rex. In 2012, the Ryan brothers were inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame.

Ryan began his coaching journey as a graduate assistant at Western Kentucky University in 1987. In 1988, he served as an assistant at Ohio State University. He then spent five seasons at Tennessee State University, where he coached running backs, wide receivers, and the defensive line. In 1994, Ryan entered the NFL as the defensive backs coach for the Arizona Cardinals, contributing to a defense that led the league in interceptions. In 1996, Ryan served as defensive coordinator at Hutchinson Community College (Kan.), where the Blue Dragons led the nation in total defense (228 yards per game) and in sacks (56). His defense also set a national record by forcing 49 turnovers.

NFL Coaching Career and Key Milestones

Rob Ryan’s career significantly ascended during his time with the New England Patriots (2000–2003) as the linebackers coach. Under his guidance, the team secured Super Bowl victories in XXXVI and XXXVIII. This period marked a crucial phase in his career, enhancing his reputation and marketability in the NFL coaching sphere.

From 2004 to 2008, Ryan served as the defensive coordinator for the Oakland Raiders. He then held the same position with the Cleveland Browns (2009-2010), the Dallas Cowboys (2011-2012), and the New Orleans Saints (2013-2015). In 2013, Ryan led a Saints’ defensive unit that finished second in the NFL in net passing yards allowed (194.1) and fourth in points (19.0) and total yards (305.7) allowed. While leading the Cowboys’ (2011-12) defense, Ryan helped guide Pro Bowl OLB Demarcus Ware, who posted 10-plus sack seasons in both campaigns. Ware finished second in the league in sacks in 2011 (19.5), the second most during his career.

In 2016, Ryan joined his brother Rex’s staff with the Buffalo Bills as assistant head coach. On December 27, 2016, the Bills announced they had fired Rob Ryan along with his brother Rex. Bills owner Terry Pegula was so anxious to end the Ryan reign of error that he let him go with three years and $16.5 million left on his contract. In 2022, Ryan rejoined the Las Vegas Raiders as a senior defensive assistant, bringing a wealth of experience to the coaching staff. After three years, Ryan left the Raiders to join USC. On January 21, 2025, Ryan was hired by USC as the team’s assistant head coach for defense/linebackers for the 2025 season.

Rex Ryan’s coaching career began in 1987 when he served as a graduate assistant at Eastern Kentucky University. He quickly climbed the ranks, eventually becoming the head coach of the New York Jets in 2009. When Ryan joined the Buffalo Bills, he signed a five-year contract worth $27.5 million in 2015. Rex Ryan signed a six-year contract extension worth $22 million in 2010 with the New York Jets.

Recent Roles and Future Prospects

In recent years, Rob Ryan has continued to be actively involved in football coaching. In 2019, he served as the inside linebackers coach for the Washington Redskins. In 2021, he took on the same role for the Baltimore Ravens. Most recently, he was a senior defensive assistant for the Las Vegas Raiders from 2022-2024. On January 21, 2025, Ryan was hired by USC as the team’s assistant head coach for defense/linebackers for the 2025 season, marking his return to collegiate coaching after a long and successful NFL career. Throughout his 35 years of coaching, including 24 seasons in the NFL, Ryan has served as a defensive coordinator for the Oakland Raiders (2004-08), Cleveland Browns (2009-10), Dallas Cowboys (2011-12) and New Orleans Saints (2013-15), while also holding coaching positions with the Arizona Cardinals (1994-95), New England Patriots (2000-03), Buffalo Bills (2016), Washington Redskins (2019), Baltimore Ravens (2021) and Las Vegas Raiders (22-24).

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