The Rob Ryan era in New Orleans is over. After a report that Ryan was fired on Monday afternoon was shot down by Saints coach Sean Payton, the two sides parted ways later on that evening. It was an emotional moment for many people on Twitter who found Ryan endearing – sure, he isn’t the defensive mind that his father or brother are, but he was always a ton of fun to watch for his big personality and unique look.
Naturally, because a person who is liked by a lot of people got fired, the Internet decided to come together and make a bunch of jokes about it. There is only one place to start – with the person who made a crying Michael Jordan meme out of Ryan. Here it is:
It. Was. Inevitable. pic.twitter.com/OugrrRmELX
— OGhoopsprguy (@exhoopsPRguy) November 17, 2015
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get to some more original stuff. First, we’ll turn to the grieving Twitter account of Fox Sports 1 host and professed fan of Ryan, Katie Nolan, who took the news really hard.
I'd like to thank you all for your kind words, but ask that you please respect my right to grieve in silence during this very trying time
— Katie Nolan (probably) (@katienolan) November 16, 2015
Next, we’ll hop over to HBO’s Bill Simmons, who decided to pour one out for the end of one of fantasy football’s biggest guarantees – starting a quarterback against Ryan’s defenses.
So long to 2 great fantasy QB's – Peyton Manning and The One-Week Waiver Wire Pickup Going against Rob Ryan's Defense.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) November 16, 2015
Deadspin’s Drew Magary shared his thoughts on “Jim Haslett with better hair,” suggesting that we should revive a now-defunct football league so Ryan can still have a job.
https://twitter.com/drewmagary/status/666276705917607936
Some decided to remember Ryan for his magnificent head of hair…
Don't worry about Rob Ryan, he can always get a job in movies as guy who walks away from explosion pic.twitter.com/noEIvoRbBU
— my heart's the bitter buffalo (@inthefade) November 17, 2015
…while others lamented on that time Ryan was shirtless on a beach killing a beer with his brother.
Never forget. RT @RapSheet: The #Saints have fired defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, source said. pic.twitter.com/IDruaMBFQE
— Toucher & Hardy (@toucherandhardy) November 17, 2015
Normally when a coach gets fired, you assume that his players get upset and opponents get happy at the change. However, if you ask people on Twitter, the exact opposite happened when Ryan got the axe.
Who's glad that Rob Ryan got fired pic.twitter.com/BoILTsc3UF
— Matt🗿 (@MatthewSpeyrer) November 16, 2015
Panthers, Falcons, and Bucs fans after hearing that Rob Ryan is fired. pic.twitter.com/fUYEMX6Ukz
— A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) November 16, 2015
For the final word on the end of the Ryan’s tenure, let’s go to the New Orleans bar Miss Mae’s, which summed things up simply.
Miss Mae's, famous dive bar in New Orleans, celebrating the ouster of Rob Ryan. #saints pic.twitter.com/RhXcq4CorM
— Eric Edholm (@Eric_Edholm) November 17, 2015
Despite all the jokes, Ryan is one of the most entertaining coaches in football. Hopefully he lands somewhere and gets back to making all of us laugh with his otherworldly sense of humor as soon as possible.
