After weeks of interviewing with teams for head coaching jobs, Rex Ryan was in a playful mood Monday.

“Really, that head coaching stuff? I was just kidding about that,” Ryan said with a sheepish grin.

The celebrated defensive coordinator returned to his old position with the Ravens Monday and added a new title — assistant head coach — almost a month after he was fired along with all of former coach Brian Billick’s assistants.

“I just want to say, I couldn’t be more proud, more excited, more fired up than to have Rex Ryan, my good friend, as my defensive coordinator,” Coach John Harbaugh said. “This is a good football coach and an even better person.”

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Ryan had interviewed with the Ravens for their head coaching vacancy, which was filled when the team hired Harbaugh Jan. 18. He also had spoken with the Miami Dolphins and the Atlanta Falcons about their positions, but was not extended an offer.

Ryan is expected to receive a three-year contract worth between $1.3 and 1.5 million a season.

After the Falcons hired Mike Smith to be their head coach last week, rumors persisted the Washington Redskins and New York Jets were interested in making Ryan their defensive coordinator.

“I wanted to stay here,” Ryan said. “I’m just so happy to be here and be part of what I think is going to be a terrific season and a terrific future.”

Harbaugh said Ryan has “built something here that is one of the best in the National Football League and that’s a foundation for us to stand on.”

Harbaugh hired renowned offensive coordinator Cam Cameron last week to revitalize an offense ranked 22nd last season.

In giving Ryan the title of assistant head coach, Harbaugh said he would work “shoulder to shoulder” with Ryan.

The move also gives Harbaugh a boost of respect from players, who lobbied for Ryan to succeed Billick, who was fired Dec. 31.

When asked about that support, Ryan said: “It was great. Shoot, I love them.”

Harbaugh and Ryan are not strangers, as they were assistants at the University of Cincinnati in 1996.

Ryan and Harbaugh confirmed Clarence Brooks would return as defensive line coach, and Mike Pettine would take over as linebackers coach. Team employees have also said they believe Mark Carrier, who has coached the secondary for the past two years, is a strong candidate to work under Ryan.

mpalmer@baltimoreexaminer.com