NFL notes: Ryan interviews for Saints' coordinator spot

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. But Grantham announced on Friday he had withdrawn from consideration for the job.

Grantham came under criticism from some Georgia fans for the timing of his interview with the Saints -- one day after national signing day. The Bulldogs picked up 32 players Wednesday, including 18 on the defensive side, and Grantham said he had told the recruits he loved the school and expected to stay in Athens.

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, the brother of Jets coach Rex Ryan, was let go by the Cowboys after two seasons as defensive coordinator for coach Jason Garrett. The Cowboys ranked 19th in the NFL total defense last season.

Ex-Cowboys in PSA

for gun law reforms

Former Dallas Cowboys Emmitt Smith, Deion Sanders, and Michael Irvin, former TCU and NFL standout LaDainian Tomlinson, and Marshall Faulk are appearing in a public service announcement in favor of gun law reforms.

The spot released Friday is paid for by Mayors Against Illegal Guns, which was founded by New York City's Michael Bloomberg and Boston's Thomas Menino.

A solemn Smith speaks into the camera: "For the children of Sandy Hook Elementary." Then Tomlinson adds, "Demand a plan." Faulk says later: "It's time for our leaders to do something."

Mayors Against Illegal Guns says on its website that it "advocates for common-sense measures that will close deadly gaps in our gun laws and make sure law enforcement agencies have the tools they need to detect and deter gun trafficking."

Briefly

Panthers: Charlotte's City Council has agreed to a plan that would give the Panthers nearly $144 million from a food-and-beverage tax hike to pay for upgrades to its downtown stadium. In exchange, the team will be 'tethered" to the city for at least 15 years. Mayor Anthony Foxx said North Carolina General Assembly approval would be needed for the city to increase its prepared food-and-beverage tax by one cent.

Texans: Nose tackle Shaun Cody is out of the hospital after undergoing back surgery.

Eagles: New coach Chip Kelly completed his staff by adding Dave Fipp, who had been with the Dolphins, as special teams coordinator.

Rams: Former 49ers coach Mike Singletary has interviewed for the defensive coordinator position.

Redskins: After one season as director of player development, Phillip Daniels is no longer with the Redskins, the Washington Post reported, citing two sources. Daniels, who played for Washington from 2004 to 2010, rejoined the team last season and served as a mentor to players.

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