Saints assistant Todd Grantham to become defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State

Todd Grantham is leaving the NFL Saints staff to become Oklahoma State’s defensive coordinator, New Orleans interim coach Darren Rizzi announced Monday.

Grantham served as defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns in the NFL and for Georgia, Louisville, Mississippi State and Florida at the college level.

“He made the decision that he wanted to get back into the college game,” Rizzi said. “He has obviously already been coordinator of some very good college programs. (Oklahoma State coach) Mike Gundy has a great coach and congratulations to Todd.

An Oklahoma State spokesperson declined to comment on the situation.

Grantham began this season as the Saints’ defensive line coach. After Rizzi took over following the firing of Dennis Allen, who had previously overseen the defense, Grantham was named senior defensive advisor so he could help coordinator Joe Woods with the defensive game plan.

“He’s done a heck of a job here behind the scenes with the defensive staff,” Rizzi said. “But it’s certainly a great opportunity for him.”

Grantham will replace Bryan Nardo and take over a unit that gave up a season-worst 12 500.6 yards per game during a 3-9 season.

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AP Sports Writer Brett Martel in New Orleans contributed to this report.

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