Former Dallas Cowboys assistant coach Rob Ryan didn't take long to find a new job as reports suggest that the New Orleans Saints plan to hire him as their new defensive coordinator, according to league sources.
Saints coach Sean Payton said Ryan will interview with the Saints at the end of the week, when asked Wednesday morning to address the hiring in a phone interview with ESPN Radio's "Mike and Mike in the Morning."
The 7-9 Saints set records for futility on the defensive side of the ball, giving up an NFL record 7,042 yards of total offense this past season. The Saints ranked dead last in the league in total defense, 31st in passing defense, last in rushing defense and gave up 454 points. Only the Tennessee Titans gave up more points.
The Saints have been seeking a new defensive coordinator since firing Steve Spagnuolo, with head coach Payton stating the team's intention to moved to a 3-4 base scheme.
Ryan, the son Buddy Ryan and the brother of New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan, has spent decades coaching the 3-4 scheme.
Ryan was fired as defensive coordinator of the Cowboys on Jan. 8, soon after team owner Jerry Jones said he would make major changes to a team that finished 8-8 and missed the playoffs.
Ryan, after his ouster in Dallas, said,"I'll be out of work for like five minutes."
He came close to signing on as the St. Louis Rams' defensive coordinator before the talks broke down. Rams head coach Jeff Fisher issued a statement declaring it wasn't a good scheme fit.
