Source: Raiders, Ryan part ways

By CARL STEWARD
CONTRA COSTA TIMES

last updated: January 03, 2008 04:10:36 AM

OAKLAND -- Although the Raiders have not made an announcement, Rob Ryan is out as defensive coordinator of the team, a source has told MediaNews.

Ryan was informed by the team before the Raiders' 30-17 season-ending loss to the San Diego Chargers on Sunday that his contract would not be renewed, and he was embraced by a number of his players on the sidelines after the game.

Ryan, who spent three years as the Raiders defensive coordinator under three different coaches, is expected to join the staff of the New York Jets as their defensive coordinator. Bob Sutton currently holds that position.

Ryan and Jets coach Eric Mangini are close friends who spent four years together on Bill Belichick's defensive staff with the New England Patriots.

In his last interview with Bay Area media last Wednesday, Ryan indicated he was not concerned about his job security, although he maintained he had not been told he wasn't returning.

"I'd be out of a job for two minutes," he said. "I mean, who are we kidding? I'm not worried about it. Love the Raiders. If it happens, so be it."

It is not known how Ryan's departure will impact other members of the defensive coaching staff.

Meanwhile, Buccaneers defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, who has been busy this week preparing for Sunday's wild-card matchup with the New York Giants at Tampa Bay's Raymond James Stadium, says he isn't interested in a family reunion with son Lane in Oakland.

Asked Wednesday whether there was any truth to an Oakland newspaper report that suggested his son would make an effort to add him to his staff, Monte Kiffin, whose contract expires after the season, said the subject hasn't been broached.

"I haven't thought about what is going on in Oakland," Monte said. "Lane hasn't discussed it with me. I love the Bucs. I've coached here a long time, and I'd like to continue to coach here.

"But it's true that I'm not under contract. I'll be honest: all of my focus is on the Giants."

Kiffin, 67, has been defensive coordinator in Tampa Bay since 1996. He is among the NFL's highest-paid coordinators, approximately $1.7-million annually.

"I love the Tampa Bay Buccaneers," he said. "I love Tampa. I love my son, but that doesn't mean I don't like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers."

The St. Petersburg Times contributed to this report.

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