Monday's unfolding of events in New Orleans perfectly describes how dysfunctional the Saints are right now.
After denying reports that he had fired defensive coordinator Rob Ryan earlier in the day, Saints coach Sean Payton confirmed on his weekly radio show Monday night that the enigmatic assistant was, indeed, out in New Orleans, nola.com reported.
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"We just had to, at some point, look closely and give this (firing Ryan) an option because the direction we were going wasn't good," Payton told radio station WWL. "We really struggled with substitutions and getting lined up and getting our guys the defensive call and being able to function."
The Saints coach said no decision had been made regarding Ryan's future when he addressed the media on Monday morning, when media reports surfaced announcing Ryan's departure.
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He told reporters that Ryan "absolutely" was still part of the staff at around noon, nola.com reported. No rationale was given why Payton chose to answer the question in that manner if firing Ryan was a consideration.
The Saints are last in total defense and scoring defense this season, giving up 424.7 yards and 31.5 points per game.
They have given up 130 points combined in their last three games - an average of 43.3 points per game.
"I'm disappointed for Rob that it didn't work out," Payton said on his radio show. "I'll tell you one thing now: He's a fantastic staff guy. He's a guy who's respected greatly, not only in the locker room, but by his peers."
Former Raiders head coach Dennis Allen, who was a senior defensive assistant under Ryan, takes over as defensive coordinator.
"Dennis and I have met and talked at length about what direction we want to head," Payton said. "We'll spend some time during this bye here making sure that's a priority."
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