papz

As Steve Spagnuolo, the new defensive coordinator of the New Orleans Saints, knows, the worst thing an NFL coach faces isn't getting fired, it's silence.

Certainly, that was the dreaded prospect in the Spagnuolo household Jan. 2, when, as expected, he was sacked by the St. Louis Rams after three years as their head coach. It turned out, however, the NFL doesn't see Spagnuolo as a man whose time has run out.

Instead, the phone began to ring persistently. Spagnuolo, who cut his professional coaching teeth in the unbrotherly climes of Philadelphia and then earned a Super Bowl ring molding the New York Giants' defense in 2007, was on several short lists of teams seeking a defensive coordinator.

One of those was the Saints, and Coach Sean Payton wasted no time hiring one of the hot commodities in the NFL. Spagnuolo, 52, begins earning his weekly check with the Saints on Monday.

"I've been to the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in the past three or four weeks," he said. "I'm very blessed that when this thing happened in St. Louis, the phone did ring. There's times when something like this happens and the phone doesn't ring, but I was very, very blessed to have some opportunities. When all was said and done, I think Maria, my wife, and I have chosen the right place for us at this particular time."

Full article.
Steve Spagnuolo says he'll seek staff input, build on what New Orleans Saints defense has - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com

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Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

All little common sense goes a long way.

dizzle88

Thats all fine and dandy, but go and get Mario Williams from the texans and cut will smith.

Rugby Saint II

I'm a little bit more excited each time I read something about Spags.

Halo

You just get the feeling... we're going to be better on defense.

SmashMouth

TheOak

We will be a different Defense... Most importantly not blitzing every play.... Offensive coordinators will now have to make a game plan other than anti blitz.

Which has to equate to better.... or at least unpredictable.

UK_WhoDat

The Dude

We will. For any other reason but putting up a new scheme that teams don't have film on. I see it helping our division play especially. They played us more than anyone and all the game plans they have are of Williams. It is more about what we see in years two or three when he has to adjust. IMO Payton has adjusted greatly since his first year. He used to get "the fever" and it was evident. You saw him change that after the first season. He has matured as a coach. He loves to sling the ball and at one point relied on it 90% of the time, Our super bowl year we had great balance between running plays and passing plays.

JoanieNTX

Welcome to New Orleans, and the Saints, Coach! You saved the best for last!!!!

vpheughan

He has his work cut out for him. When your sack leader is a safety, that doesn't speak well of the "guys up front"