December 30, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan stands on the field during warm ups prior to the Cowboys game against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Former Dallas Cowboys assistant Rob Ryan has interviewed with the New Orleans Saints for their vacant defensive coordinator job.
The team said Ryan met with coach Sean Payton on Friday.
Payton interviewed University of Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham on Thursday.
Payton fired defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and announced he wanted to switch to a 3-4 defense two days after returning from a yearlong suspension. The Saints allowed more total yards in a single season than any team in NFL history.
Ryan was let go by the Cowboys after two season working for coach Jason Garrett in Dallas. The Cowboys ranked 19th in the NFL total defense last season.
Ryan, the brother of Jets coach Rex Ryan, has been a defensive coordinator for the past nine years.
Associated Press