Mediocre Saints Defense Causes Team To Fire Rob Ryan

The New Orleans Saints and Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan went their separate ways late Monday, after a historically abysmal performance by the team’s defense in Washington on Sunday became the last straw. Although the Redskins’ offense has also been very weak, the Saints allowed over 300 passing yards and over 200 rushing yards, and gave up 8.9 yards per offensive play.

New Orleans ranks last in nearly every major statistical category this season, including points (315), yards per play (6.7), passing touchdowns (28), and rushing yards per carry (5.0). The Saints also have an opponent’s passer rating allowed of 116.6, higher than Tom Brady’s passer rating (111.1) and every other quarterback.

Ryan, twin brother of Buffalo Bills coach Rex Ryan, is currently in his 12th season in the N.F.L. He is also the former defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. Out of the 18 coaches in the league who have been defensive coordinators for at least ten seasons since 1990, Ryan’s defenses have allowed more points per game and more yards per game to opponents than any other.

Ryan’s first season in New Orleans, in 2013, was his best one. The Saints ranked 4th in both points and in yards, after ranking 31st and 32nd respectively the previous season. However, the team’s defense regressed in 2014, ranking 28th in points and 31st in yards, and has continued to cripple in 2015.

Previous 18 Saints Defensive Coordinator Stats:

Rob Ryan: 23.9 points per game; 351.2 yards per game

Jim Haslett: 23.8 ppg; 339.0 ypg

Bob Slowik: 22.9 ppg; 330.8 ypg

Gunther Cunningham: 22.1 ppg; 333.3 ypg

John Marshall: 21.7 ppg; 336.9 ypg

Mike Zimmer: 21.3 ppg; 315.2 ypg

Vic Fangio: 21.2 ppg; 330.9 ypg

Greg Robinson: 20.6 ppg; 326.0 ypg

Mike Nolan: 20.5 ppg; 327.8 ypg

Wade Phillips: 20.5 ppg; 315.8 ypg

Dick LeBeau: 20.4 ppg; 306.8 ypg

Larry Peccatiello: 20.4 ppg; 320.0 ypg

Ted Cottrell: 20.2 ppg; 317.6 ypg

Gregg Williams: 19.7 ppg; 320.1 ypg

Steve Sidwell: 19.6 ppg; 312.2 ypg

Dom Capers: 19.3 ppg; 318.5 ypg

Jim Johnson: 19.1 ppg; 315.2 ypg

Monte Kiffin: 18.4 ppg; 300.3 ypg

PHOTO: NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 04: Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan looks on from the sidelines during the third quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 4, 2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)