[Bette]

The New Orleans Saints fired defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs on Wednesday, jettisoning him from the coaching staff after finishing in the bottom third in total defense for two consecutive seasons under his leadership.
The Saints had the 11th-ranked defense during Gibbs’ first season in New Orleans. They fell to 27th in 2007, and showed little improvement in 2008, finishing 23rd in total defense.
In 2008, New Orleans allowed 339.5 yards of offense per game.
The Saints ranked 23rd in passing defense (221.7 average) and 17th in rushing defense (117.8 average) this season. They registered just 15 interceptions and 28 sacks.


ProFootballTalk.com - GIBBS FIRED BY SAINTS


Coach Payton said it was a hard decision to make. Looking at the stats above, it doesnt seem it should have been such a hard decision. Had the defense been able to match the performance of the No. 1 offense, the Saints would have marched a whole lot further.