Redskins hire Rob Ryan as inside linebackers coach

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Buffalo Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) takes part in drills alongside former assistant head coach/defense Rob Ryan. (Bill Wippert/AP)

ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Redskins have hired longtime NFL defensive guru Rob Ryan as inside linebackers coach.

The team announced the move Wednesday, a day after promoting Kevin O’Connell to offensive co-ordinator on coach Jay Gruden’s staff. Ryan most recently served as the Buffalo Bills‘ assistant head coach for defence in 2016.

Before Buffalo, Ryan served as defensive co-ordinator for the New Orleans Saints from 2013-2015, Dallas Cowboys in 2011 and 2012, Cleveland Browns in 2009 and 2010 and Oakland Raiders from 2004-2008. His 2013 Saints’ defence ranked second in passing defence and fourth in points allowed.

The 56-year-old takes over a role on a defence that ranked 17th in the league last season. Defensive co-ordinator Greg Manusky will return for a third season after the Redskins spoke with several potential candidates for the job but never hired a replacement.

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