Rob Ryan will return as the Saints' defensive coordinator for the 2015 season, according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, per a source informed of the team's plans.
The Times-Picayune first reported the news.
Since the end of the season, Sean Payton and general manager Mickey Loomis have been mum on Ryan's future after the Saints' defense had a horrific year.
Rapoport reported after the season ended that the Saints were considering hanging onto Ryan and helping surround him with better pieces for him to succeed rather than starting over with another coordinator.
In 11 seasons as an NFL defensive coordinator, Ryan has had just two seasons leading a team that finished in the top 13 in total defense and five of his units ranked 27th or worse.
What Ryan does have is a locker room full of defensive players who vouched for him and wanted to see him return.
The Saints will make some changes to the staff, however. Rapoport reported last week the team is parting ways with wide receivers coach Henry Ellard, tight ends coach Terry Malone and defensive backs coach Andre Curtis.
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