The Saints organization, lead by Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis, have stopped short of giving any endorsement of Rob Ryan at any turn in the process of this offseason. Despite numerous press conferences since the end of the season with both, and despite continually being asked about Ryan specifically, both Payton and Loomis have declined to comment on his status with the team. The only inkling of Rob Ryan returning, short of the fact that no public announcement was made stating his firing, was an article by NOLA.com’s Larry Holder citing a source to suggest Ryan’s job as the defensive coordinator as safe. Much time had passed since that article and the rumored re-hiring of Dennis Allen, but the Saints finally made an announcement listing their coaching staff which must now finally qualify as a Rob Ryan endorsement:
#Saints Announce 2015 Coaching Staff Additions: http://t.co/Ow3g0bW9YM pic.twitter.com/aaa9Cjyy1a
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) February 11, 2015
Interesting to note that Allen is not only the lone pictured in the communication, but if you click on the link he’s listed third at the bottom of the communication on the coaching staff pecking order behind Sean Payton and Joe Vitt, ahead of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. Allen, you’ll remember, left the Saints as a high profile assistant to become the Denver Broncos defensive coordinator for one season before getting his first head coaching stint with the Oakland Raiders.
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
So how safe is Ryan’s job with Allen in the mix? It’s worth pointing out that Ryan is entering the final year of his original 3 year deal with the Saints. Allen has a long and positive history with Payton and it seems clear he’s already positioned as an internal replacement for Ryan if things don’t work out. But looking even sooner than 2016, having Allen on staff now means Ryan should very much be looking over his shoulder. The two are expected to work in tandem to transform the 31st ranked defense in the NFL for 2014 but failure to do so could mean the reins being handed over to Allen before the season even concludes. Results will need to be felt and seen immediately for Ryan to stick around at least through the season.
