Payton: Saints DC Rob Ryan is ‘absolutely’ still a member of the staff

Sean Payton said there will be and that there will be no changes made to the coaching staff at this time.

After another poor defensive performance from the New Orleans Saints in their 47–14 loss to the Washington Redskins on Sunday, reports surfaced that the team would part ways with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

But Saints head coach Sean Payton said during Monday’s press conference that Ryan is “absolutely” still a member of the coaching staff and that there will be no changes made at this time.

The Saints defense has been historically bad this season, and is on pace to give up a league-record 45 touchdown passes. The current record is held by the 1963 Denver Broncos, who allowed 40 touchdown passes. 

New Orleans has given up a league-high 315 points overall, 38 points more than the second-worst Cleveland Browns.

On Sunday, Ryan’s defense was torched by Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins, who finished 20 for 25 passing with 324 yards and four touchdowns.

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Ryan held defensive coordinator roles with the Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys before coming to the Saints. He famously resigned from the same position with the St. Louis Rams after just five days in January 2013.

The Saints have a bye week before they play the Houston Texans on Nov. 29.