New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is likely on thin ice.
New Orleans currently ranks 24th in total yards allowed and 25th in points allowed. The team was supposed to be much improved on that side of the ball after investing big free agency dollars on defensive players. Instead, the Saints (4-7) have lost three straight home games in what has been a very disappointing year.
Despite the team's struggles though, Ryan still has the support of his players.
"You've never heard of a story about [how] he's lost the players," safety Kenny Vaccaro said to the Advocate. "If the players go, he's going with them. He's riding until the wheels fall off...He believes in me more than I believe in myself at times. I think he's like that with everybody, because I cherish that."
ESPN's Matthew Berry called Ryan the most "overrated defensive coordinator in the NFL." ESPN's Mike Triplett also weighed in on Ryan's uncertain future.
"Clearly, Rob Ryan's honeymoon period with the New Orleans Saints has passed. But whether the relationship could possibly end in divorce is harder to predict. I haven't gotten any indication from anyone on or off the record whether Ryan's job could be in danger or that there is any friction between coach Sean Payton and Ryan. (Yes, cameras have caught Payton rebuking Ryan twice on the sidelines now -- but that's a typical reaction from a fiery Payton when players aren't lined up correctly, like we saw this past week when the Saints had only 10 men on the field). Payton actually complimented Ryan this week, saying his focus, his passion and his resolve are all 'huge strengths.'"
Ryan's defenses have finished in the top ten in yards allowed just twice in his 11 years as a defensive coordinator. At some point, support from your players has to translate into actual on-field results.
