METAIRIE, La. -- Five defensive coordinators in eight years.
That's all the evidence needed to show the New Orleans Saints' defensive problems run much deeper than just Rob Ryan.
Ryan joined Gary Gibbs, Gregg Williams and Steve Spagnuolo in the parade of coordinators who have been sent packing. That pins a good portion of the blame on those who have been constants throughout the Saints' years of defensive struggles -- head coach Sean Payton, general manager Mickey Loomis, the scouting department, and veteran defensive assistants Joe Vitt and Bill Johnson.
It's not for a lack of trying, though.