National Football League

Bills' Ryan says he once tried to hire Dolphins' Campbell

Published Nov. 4, 2015 4:52 p.m. ET

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DAVIE, Fla. (AP) Buffalo Bills coach Rex Ryan once tried to hire Dan Campbell away from the Miami Dolphins, which adds an extra twist to their matchup Sunday.

Ryan was the head coach of the New York Jets at the time. Campbell was Miami's tight ends coach.

''Miami wouldn't let him out of there,'' Ryan said Wednesday. ''He has a great reputation throughout the league. Miami obviously knew what they had there, and weren't going to let him go.''

Campbell, who has been with the Dolphins since 2010, will face the Bills for the first time since being promoted to interim head coach when Joe Philbin was fired Oct. 5.

''I've got a ton of respect for Rex Ryan,'' Campbell said. ''He has done a lot of things in this league. Their style of play and what they do, you know they're going to come after you. You always respect that, because that's how we want to be.''

Regarding a missed chance to work with Ryan, Campbell said he has no regrets.

''I'm glad everything has worked out here,'' Campbell said.

Campbell played tight end in the NFL for 11 years and looks as though he still could suit up, which Ryan has noticed.

''When I go across the field, I can whip most head coaches, but I ain't whipping that one,'' Ryan said with a laugh. ''I ain't even trying. He's a big dude, man. I'm 52 years old; I'd like to see 53. I think I'll avoid that one.''

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL

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Follow Steven Wine on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Steve-Wine

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