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New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma sounded off Wednesday morning about comments from an unnamed Saints player that said defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo should be fired.



Vilma wrote via Twitter about the player's comments saying, "don't give me 'anonymous source' bs" and "say who said it."

When asked by NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune for reaction to the player's comments, Vilma said Wednesday morning, "No. I'm bothered you reported it. We're not the Jets who run to the media for everything."

Then when asked if the player's comments were wrong, Vilma said, "That's not the question or the point. If he's man enough to tell you, he should be man enough to put his name on it. And you should do the same."

A Saints player told NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune on Tuesday a "resounding" yes that Spagnuolo should be fired after the Saints (7-9) broke the record for most yards allowed in a season in NFL history and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

"Trust me all the guys were being politically correct this season when answering questions (this season)," the player said. "It's bad."

The player added: "To give up what we gave up can't be all talent. Look at where his units (have) been ranked before. I think one top 10?"

The Saints finished last in the NFL in total defense, last in run defense, 31st in pass defense, 31st in points allowed and tied for 29th in sacks.

"Players have no say in anything," the player said. "It was (a) complete opposite from before where it was a simple D that players had lot of control and say. We couldn't suggest (expletive)...Nothing ever changed. It was his way only.

"Don't even get me started on lack (of) ability to adjust during games. Bad, bad, bad."

The player also said every position group on defense was frustrated with Spagnuolo's scheme all season. "(It was) tough putting on a supportive, everything-will-be-OK face, for you guys (the media) all the time," the player said.

The player said it wasn't just wasn't Spagnuolo's scheme that rubbed players the wrong way. It was Spagnuolo as a coach and a person.

"He does have that good-guy persona, but he is a control freak and treats people like crap," the player said. (Spagnuolo has) no patience and zero personality. (He) has a way of pissing players and our defensive coaches off with how he says and does things. (I) think it's even harder after having (former defensive coordinator) Gregg (Williams), who guys enjoyed."

Saints interim coach Joe Vitt said Wednesday morning he did not have a comment on the report at that time. Attempts have been made to reach other members of the team for comment. We'll update the story as we get more information.

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