Soon-To-Be Fired Rob Ryan Hasn’t Been Fired Yet

Image via Zimbio

One day after the abysmal New Orleans Saints were blown out by the unremarkably bad Washington Redskins, word from the bayou is that the 47-14 loss will cost at least one member of the coaching staff his job. The poorly-coiffed head expected to roll is that of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

Although there were widespread reports Monday that Ryan’s dismissal was imminent, during a press conference outside the Saints facility, head coach Sean Payton denied that any actions had been taken, adding that he is “absolutely” still apart of the staff.

Sean Payton asked "is Rob Ryan still on your staff?"
Sean Payton "yes"
But says he and Loomis will address staff. pic.twitter.com/FidI5Haaeb

— Fletcher Mackel (@FletcherWDSU) November 16, 2015

With Payton expected to meet with general manager Mickey Loomis at least twice in the next day or two to evaluate the team, Ryan absolute job status in New Orleans is likely only temporary. Given how bad this team has been on defense the last two seasons, there’s no question he’ll be the first to go.

And Ryan should go. In fact, he probably shouldn’t have been hired in the first place. Aside from the defense he largely inherited with the Saints in 2013, in 12 seasons in the NFL, Ryan has put together a defense that cracked the top 10 just once—Oakland in 2006.