Rob Ryan To Saints Not A Done Deal, Team Interviewing Others For Defensive Coordinator Post

Rob Ryan is headed to the New Orleans Saints. Or maybe not.

There are conflicting reports as to whether the former Dallas Cowboys coordinator will be moving to New Orleans to take on the same role, The SportsXchange noted. While outlets like ESPN reported that Rob Ryan was going to the Saints, the New Orleans Times-Picayune said the deal was not a lock.

The paper reported that the Saints were still set to interview University of Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham on Thursday, and were set to talk to Ryan again on Friday.

From the Times-Picayune:

“New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton told ESPN Radio’s Mike and Mike in the Morning on Wednesday that he will interview 2 to 4 candidates for the open defensive coordinator job, including former Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan later this week.

“Payton said while much has been reported about the Saints planning on hiring Ryan, he said there will be a firm decision on the job ‘within a week.’ “

After being fired by the Cowboys last month, Rob Ryan predicted that he would bounce back quickly. He already interviewed with the St. Louis Rams, but talks between Ryan and the team broke down.

“I’ll be out of work for like five minutes,” Ryan said after his firing.

Saints head coach Sean Payton said he intends to move the team to a 3-4 base scheme. With Rob Ryan, the Saints would have plenty of expertise in this area. The son of coach Buddy Ryan and brother of Jets coach Rex Ryan, Rob has defense in his DNA and decades of experience coaching the 3-4.