Saints head coach Sean Payton confirms what he wouldn't confirm earlier today. New Orleans defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has been fired.

Alex Marvis of FOX sports tweeted this morning of Ryan's pending dismissal, but when Payton met with New Orleans media this morning, he stressed that no change had been made to the coaching staff as he had not met with GM Mickey Loomis or any assistant coaches yet.

When asked around 11:30 this morning if Ryan was still on staff, Payton replied, "Absolutely. Absolutely."

However, Payton refused to speculate of potential pending changes, leading many to believe that Ryan's firing would come soon. It did.

Payton confirmed the news on his weekly radio coaches show.

"We just had to, at some point, look closely and give this (firing Ryan) an option because the direction we were going wasn't good," said Payton on the show. "I'm sorry it didn't work out for Rob. He's a terrific staff guy, respected greatly, not only in the locker room but by his peers."

Payton also said defensive consultant Dennis Allen would be promoted as defensive coordinator for the time being.

New Orleans defense ranks last in the NFL in points per game allowed (31.5), yards per play allowed (6.7) and yards per game allowed (424.7).

The Saints are 4-6 and enter this bye week on a two game losing streak, including a lopsided 47-14 loss yesterday to the Washington Redskins.

 

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