Ryan returned from the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., and his red pickup truck was at the Ravens’ training complex Thursday night along with Harbaugh’s car in the designated space for the head coach.
Ryan and Harbaugh, who worked together at the University of Cincinnati in 1996, have been in discussions ever since Harbaugh was hired a week ago.
Although Ryan was fired along with the entire staff when coach Brian Billick was dismissed Dec. 31, he remains under contract with the Ravens for next season with a salary ranging between $1 million and $1.2 million.
Ryan has been sought after by other teams, including the Washington Redskins, but no deal is in the offing as the Ravens have the power and the inclination to block any lateral move.
Ryan interviewed for the Ravens’ head-coaching job along with the Miami Dolphins and the Atlanta Falcons.
Ryan has said he prefers to remain in Baltimore, but it’s believed he’ll be seeking a significant raise from the team after coaching the defense to rankings of fifth, first and sixth over the past three years.
"John Harbaugh’s a very good coach and a great guy," Ryan told the Times recently. "I have a lot of respect for him."
The Ravens have declined to comment on Ryan until Harbaugh is ready to speak publicly. Since taking over, Harbaugh hired former Miami Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron as his offensive coordinator.
Harbaugh praised Ryan heavily during his introductory press conference and is said to have a good relationship with his former co-worker.
Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.
