OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Rex Ryan made his bid to become the

Baltimore Ravens' third head coach Sunday, interviewing for several

hours with the team's search committee.

The popular defensive coordinator was the fourth candidate to

meet with the Ravens, after Indianapolis Colts assistant head coach

Jim Caldwell, Dallas Cowboys assistant head coach Tony Sparano and

Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett.

Ryan, 45, and the rest of the coaching staff were fired last

week along with coach Brian Billick by team owner Steve Bisciotti

following a 5-11 season. The son of former NFL head coach Buddy

Ryan, he coached the Ravens' defense to rankings of fifth, first

and sixth over the past three seasons.

"I think Rex would be a very good choice," Ravens wide

receiver Derrick Mason said. "I've had experience with a former

defensive coordinator coming in and being a head coach, with

Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher. Rex, he's in the mold of Jeff

Fisher, and I think he can do a great job."

Ryan is also expected to interview with the Atlanta Falcons and

the Miami Dolphins this week.

Meanwhile, the Ravens are expected to meet with other candidates

this week during the second phase of their search, including

New York Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and

Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski.