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One of New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan's problems in Dallas apparently was his complex and voluminous defensive schemes, according to Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones.


Was former Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan's downfall brought on because he employed too many schemes?

In a story on the Dallas Morning News website, Jones said "too many schemes" caused the Cowboys to remove Ryan and replace him with Monte Kiffin.

"I think Rob is a very smart guy," Jones said told the DMN. "His schemes are very sound. There are a lot of schemes. That becomes a question. We made a tough decision. We felt like too many schemes can cause problems regardless of how good they are and how sound they are. If there is more than the players can digest in this day and time - as you don't keep players for long, they move on and you have injuries - you just had to make a decision. And we made a tough one."

Ryan, the son of legendary coach Buddy Ryan and the twin brother of New York Jets Coach Rex Ryan, was hired by the Saints earlier this month and is being tasked with revamping a defense that yielded 7,042 yards last season, the most in NFL history.

Ryan will bring in his attacking 3-4 scheme, as the Saints transition from the 4-3 defense used under former defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. In two seasons in Dallas, Ryan's defensie ranked 14th in 2011 and 19th last season when the unit was hit hard by injuries.

The loquacious Ryan, who hasn't been made available to the media since his hiring, wasn't available for comment.

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