The San Francisco 49ers are one victory away from playing for a Super Bowl Championship.
Brock Purdy has been a nice story at quarterback, but the 49ers have been led by its defense.
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DeMeco Ryans is one of the fastest-rising, young coaches in the National Football League. As a University of Alabama alum, the Bessemer (Ala.) native climbed the ranks to defensive coordinator for the 49ers. He has orchestrated the defense for two seasons, but the 2022 campaign has been special. Ryans guided San Francisco to the No. 2 defense in the NFL for total yards allowed (5,110), passing yards allowed (222.9 ypg), and rushing yards allowed (77.7 ypg). It leads the league in points allowed (16.3 ppg).
Ryans had the 49ers keep other teams from first downs. San Francisco’s defense was second in first downs allowed (291).
Ryans looks to shut down Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game.
His success earned him the NFL’s Assistant Coach of the Year honor from Pro Football Writers Association. He was a dominant player for the Crimson Tide and is becoming a hot candidate to be a head coach. Ryans led the 49ers to an NFC West title.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
