Rob Ryan’s hair hurts head coaching chances? Seems like it

Rob Ryan led a Saints defensive revival this season that saw his unit go from 32nd to fourth in the NFL on its way to 11 wins. Yet, his name did not come up once in association with seven head-coaching openings this offseason.

Now, we may know why.

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported Monday that several NFL executives, and at least one owner, say Ryan’s long hair is an impediment to him landing a head coaching spot. Ryan has bounced around the league, working for three different teams (Browns, Cowboys, Saints) since 2009 — and that does not include his six-day stint he had with the Rams before stepping down and ending up Sean Payton’s staff in New Orleans.

Rob is thought to be similar to twin brother Rex when it comes to their brash personalities, but note that Rex has a clean haircut, opposed to Rob’s flowing locks. Hmmm.

A further examination at the coaches in the league reveals a lot of bald heads and closely cropped hair. Pete Carroll could be the one exception, but sadly it’s worth noting that his hair was longer during his unsuccessful runs with the Jets and Patriots.

And look at the hires this offseason:

Bill O’Brien (Texans) – Ironically, Bill O’Brien would likely kill for Rob Ryan’s hair. The new coach in Houston is holding on to the few tufts of brown hair he has. But he has had some stressful jobs working under Bill Belichick and then trying to rebuild Penn State while dealing with NCAA sanctions and the watchful eyes of the Joe Paterno truthers.

Jay Gruden (Redskins) – This is borderline, which may explain why some have been so critical of his hiring. But it almost appears to a semi comb-over, which may mean baldness on the horizon. And his contract likely included a clause requiring him to visit Daniel Snyder’s personal barber at least twice a month.

Lovie Smith (Buccaneers) – Bald as they come and he makes it work. My gut says this is a shaved-by-choice look. But there’s also the possibility that the little hair he had when he was hired by the Bears in 2004 fell out when he realized Rex Grossman was going to be his quarterback for the next five years.

Ken Whisenhunt (Titans) – Most shots of Whisenhunt roaming the sidelines as Chargers offensive coordinator show him wearing a hat. Suspicious, right?

There is still hope, with the Browns, Lions and Vikings yet to fill head-coaching vacancies, but unless the NFL’s anti-hair movement is defeated, we fear Rob Ryan will be stuck in his coordinator position.