Saints Fire Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan, Promote Dennis Allen

Update:

Saints HC Sean Payton has confirmed that Rob Ryan has been fired, and will be replaced by Dennis Allen.

“I’m sorry it didn’t work out for Rob,” Payton said, via Jeff Duncan. “He’s a terrific staff guy.”

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Ian Rapoport of NFL Media is now reporting that the Saints have, in fact, fired defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

• Chris Mortenson confirms the report and adds that Dennis Allen will be the Saints’ new defensive coordinator moving forward.
• Alex Marvez of FOX Sports first reported that the Saints were firing Ryan.

Saints HC Sean Payton told reporters earlier in they that they had yet to meet and discuss any changes to their coaching staff, but indications were that this move was coming.

“Here’s what I know: Continuing just along the same course we’re taking right now is not something that we’re going to do,” Payton said, via the Times-Picayune. “I’m talking about players, I’m talking about us as a staff, all of us collectively. You got to look closely at what’s winning and what’s keeping you from winning.

“In fairness to our players, our coaches, our fans and everyone else, we got to look at that specifically.”

However, it was clear that something needed to be done after another disastrous showing from the Saints’ defense against the Redskins on Sunday.

Allen was a senior assistant on their staff and worked as a defensive coordinator for the Broncos back in 2011 before taking the Oakland Raiders head-coaching job.

According to Rapoport, Allen has already been calling the team’s coverages, so it shouldn’t be a hard transition for him to make.

As of now, the Saints are dead last in total yards allowed and points-per game at 31.5. They’re currently on pace to allow an NFL record 45 passing touchdowns.

We’ll have more regarding changes to the Saints’ coaching staff as the news is available.