The Saints fired defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs on Wednesday after the defense finished 23rd in the league this past season. The defense has been the source of much criticism this year as the Saints had a record-setting season for its offense but still finished the season 8 and 8. Struggling all year with injuries, the defense allowed several big plays by opponents against the secondary and was also criticized for its lack of a pass rush.

Gibbs came to the Saints in 2006 under Coach Payton with the defense finishing 11th that season. However, the defense declined in 2007 as they allowed over 348 yards per game and finished 26th. The defense did a little better this year, giving up 339.5 yards.

Before coming to the Saints, Gibbs had been the linebackers coach for the Dallas Cowboys for four years. Before coming to the NFL, Gibbs had been the defensive coordinator for both LSU and Georgia but was probably best known for his time at Oklahoma where he spent six years as head coach from 1989 to 1994.