Raiders dismiss Ryan firing rumors

Rob Ryan still has a job with the Raiders, and while there’s speculation it’s only time before he’s let go, the team has apparently grown weary of all the talk surrounding the defensive coordinator’s future.

In a statement released by the team on Friday, the Raiders criticized the media for writing that Ryan’s job is in jeopardy.

“The recent conjecture regarding the removal of Rob Ryan is incorrect and the constant barrage of rumors is irresponsible. The Raider Organization — through spokesman Mike Taylor — stated that the speculation that Rob Ryan will be relieved of his duties should stop.”

Left unsaid was a confirmation that Ryan would be back in 2008. He has one year left on his contract but head coach Lane Kiffin is reportedly seeking to bring in his own defensive coordinator. Monte Kiffin, his father, shot down reports that he’d be coming to Oakland to replace Ryan, who is also rumored to be in line for a job with the New York Jets if he’s let go by the Raiders.

Another report has Tampa Bay defensive backs coach Raheem Morris in line to replace Ryan and cited sources close to both teams as saying that Morris is Kiffin’s choice.