Another New Orleans defensive debacle has spelled the end of Rob Ryan’s days as the unit’s coordinator.
Multiple sources told FOXSports.com that Ryan is being removed from the position following Sunday’s 47-14 loss at Washington. The move should be official at some point on Monday.
Head coach Sean Payton said Monday that changes were coming but said he hasn’t made decisions regarding the coaching staff or other personnel, including Ryan.
Payton said Ryan is “absolutely” still on his staff.
“I do know this. Continuing just along the same course we’re taking right now is not something that we’re going to do. And I’m talking about players. I’m talking about us as a staff, all of us collectively.” Payton said. “But you’ve got to look closely at what’s winning and what’s keeping you from winning and in fairness to the players and fans and everyone else, we’ve got to look at that specifically.”
The Redskins generated 526 yards of offense with Kirk Cousins posting a perfect quarterback rating of 158.3 while throwing for 324 yards and four touchdowns. The Saints also surrendered 225 rushing yards, led by Alfred Morris, who gained 104 on just 15 carries.
New Orleans ranks last in the NFL in yards allowed (424.7), points allowed (31.5) and passing touchdowns allowed (28).
Ryan, 52, was hired as Saints defensive coordinator in 2013 following a two-year stint in the same position with Dallas. New Orleans enjoyed initial success with Ryan in his first season but badly slumped in 2014.
Despite the decline, the Saints retained Ryan but also hired former coordinator Dennis Allen as a senior defensive assistant in the offseason.
Allen is a likely candidate to replace Ryan but the new coordinator’s identity wasn’t immediately known.
The Saints (4-6) have a bye this weekend before their next game Nov. 29 at Houston.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
