As one Ryan brother regains his place atop blustery head coach mountain, another has decided to politely -- and quietly -- step down.
According to The Advocate, Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan felt his team talked too much heading into a season with high expectations and a grand defensive design.
"The thing is, we did a lot of talking last year and got our butts kicked," Ryan said. "So I know we'll be great, but we'll just prove it this year."
For all NFL fans, this is bad news. A fired-up Rob Ryan is better than a fired-up Rex Ryan. Rob is the NFL's version of Stone Cold: a fearless outlaw cracking light beers together.
And now he wants to give that all up?
Obviously this is a crucial year for the on-again, off-again head coaching candidate who has led some brilliant defenses over the years. New Orleans finished 31st in total defense last year, in front of only the Atlanta Falcons, but Ryan received a vote of confidence from Sean Payton.
If the same pattern begins to emerge though, don't expect him to be so sentimental. Besides, everyone knows we should be rooting for Rob to have the league's No. 1 defense and grand marshal a parade in downtown New Orleans.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast breaks down the latest news surrounding Jason Pierre-Paul's injury, as well as the Mettenberger and Watt feud. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.
