Danno

The first big decision facing the New Orleans Saints when their offseason begins next week is whether to make any coaching-staff changes -- most importantly, whether to stick with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

As they have all season, Saints players continued to offer strong support for Ryan in the locker room Monday. Safety Kenny Vaccaro didn't even just say he wants Ryan to be back; he insisted he will be.
Despite the Saints' defense falling near the bottom of the league in several key categories, players are supportive of defensive coordinator

"Rob will be here," Vaccaro said twice in response to questions about Ryan. "Rob's my guy. I love Rob. I'll fight for Rob every game. I'm a Rob guy, so there's no point even asking me about Rob. He'll ride with me until the end. Year 17, he'll come get me off my couch and say, 'Come play with me.'"

Cornerback Keenan Lewis agreed.

"I want him back. I'm gonna ride with him, no matter what the situation is. A great coordinator," Lewis said. "You can't just blame him when things go wrong. I don't think none of the blame should go to the coaches at all. We're the ones out there playing. We've gotta find a way to get it stopped.

"You know, I've played for two good coordinators. I was fortunate playing for Coach LeBeau [Dick LeBeau in Pittsburgh], and I had an opportunity to play for Coach Rob, and I definitely feel as though he should be back."

When asked if players feel the need to convey their support for Ryan to the decision-makers, defensive end Tyrunn Walker said, "I think they know what they got. I think they know that he's a great coach and a great mentor."

Other veterans such as Curtis Lofton, Junior Galette, Parys Haralson and David Hawthorne, who have played with multiple defensive coordinators, have also passionately sung Ryan's praises in recent weeks.

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Cruize

With Ryan around taking all the blame for the bad defense, the players get a pass on their lack of talent and effort. I can understand why they want to keep him around.

Danno

I dunno, I'm conflicted about Ryan. Yesterday I wanted him fired, but I read these players thoughts and wonder.

Spags didn't get this kind of vocal support from his players.

Foot Stomper

Interesting. I happen to like him. Met him at Greenbrier and he was a great guy. If we had better talent would this be a non issue? Or is it a scheme issue and better talent would be voicing frustrations? I think it is a combination of poor position coaching, poor talent for sure. I am not sure if RR is a good DC or not. Maybe he is too laid back. Could a drill sergeant Defensive Coordinator come in here and make these slackers play better? What we have now is both sides taking blame for being bad. Protecting each others back side when what we need is someone who can just get results.

K Major

Change is imminent and necessary. I would be OK if Sean got rid of all of those assistant/defensive position coaches and kept the Big Lebowski.

Add a few pieces to the puzzle via FA & draft on D and we are back.

WillSaints81

What about the offense?

hagan714

ok we stunk up the joint. the boss says there will be changes.

Do you tow the company line?
or
Do you rock the ship?

I take it all with a grain of salt. a lot of pay check protection is going to happen after a year like this.

jeanpierre

Irregardless of the player support, Rob Ryan was handed his assistants, including Joe Vitt and his players...

Give him the tools and support to be successful...

Otherwise, you may be sending a bad message to other coaches who may be candidates someday for the Saints...

spkb25

4rth in the league last year, is only responsible for the great defense last year but not the bad this year?

SmashMouth

Did he buy them a round of drinks at Ms Mae's?