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Rob Ryan sings Payton's praises

METAIRIE, La. -- After reports surfaced earlier this week about a growing rift with Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan was both passionate and entertaining while describing his relationship with the head coach Friday.

"I'll tell you what, I don't admire many people outside of my own family. But Sean's at the top of the list," Ryan said.

"I love Sean Payton," he later added. "I can't speak for him about me. Probably likes me, too. But I love him, and I respect the (expletive) out of him. But he's great people. ... He's a pilot, I'm one of them gunnery guys in the back going, 'Huh? What'd you say? Keep (expletive) shooting.'"

Ryan shot down the notion that there's anything unusual about the times Payton has been captured yelling at him on the sideline -- most recently after the defense was penalized for having 12 men on the field last Sunday.

"Look, the two best coaches in the league right now are Sean and Bill Belichick. I've been fortunate to work for both," Ryan said. "And both of 'em have ripped my ass on the sideline. In fact, Belichick popped my earmuff on my head one time. I felt like filing a suit, but I didn't. But I still have damage."

Ryan did acknowledge, though, that he needs to do a better job of coaching the Saints' defense, which is ranked 31st in yards allowed and dead last in the league in third-down percentage.

"Hell, this is a win business," Ryan said. "Look, my goal is to hang some of these banners here. I want my goal to be up there. If it's not, I know how this business is.

"I've been at a lot of different teams, and that's because (if) you don't hang banners, you get your ass fired. That's how it is."

Payton also reiterated the respect he has for Ryan's passion and work ethic.

"The qualities he has are those that he could have worked for Bill (Parcells), because he's passionate. He's there late. It means everything to him. And he's got thick skin," Payton said. "Shoot, I'm in his office eating -- he's got a candy store in there at midnight, everything under the sun -- and (he's) looking at third-down film. It means so much to him, and that's what you want in an assistant coach."

Ryan agreed with the notion that he could have worked for Parcells because he said he loves working for "intense" people like that.

"Absolutely, there's no question I could, because remember, I've worked for Bill Belichick, I've worked for Sean Payton, and I worked for the great Al Davis," Ryan said. "Trust me, I can handle intense people, and I love being around those guys. My father (Buddy Ryan), too, he was no cupcake. I love toughness, I do."

Rob Ryan, Sean Payton of New Orleans Saints sing each other's praises - ESPN