It was all good just a year ago.
Amidst a very up and down season, reports are now emerging that New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton and Defensive Coordinate Rob Ryan have been at odds which could lead to Ryan parting ways with the team at seasons end. According to CBS Sports, Ryan is well liked by Saints staff and players but his relationship with Payton has deteriorated due to the defenses lackluster play this season.
Payton demands much from his coordinators and assistants and the defense has regressed rapidly this season (albeit with injuries and personnel deficiencies clearly part of the problem as well). Some sources went so far as to use the word “hate” to describe their frayed relationship, and Payton has gone through several defensive coordinators in recent years, from Gregg Williams to Steve Spagnuolo to now Ryan.
Though the Saints currently sit at a 5-7 record, they are tied for first place in the NFC South with the Atlanta Falcons. Their inconsistent play, mostly on defense, has led many to believe that they are no longer perennial Super Bowl contenders. Players from the Saints defense have gone on record defending Ryan in the media saying that they know how hard he works and the onus falls on them to execute properly.
