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New Orleans ranked last in the NFL in total defense and run defense. Head coach Sean Payton, who returned to work this week after a season-long suspension, announced Thursday that Spagnuolo was being released.
Payton also fired special teams coordinator Ken Flajole.
The Saints went 7-9 this season and allowed 454 points; only Tennessee gave up more. New Orleans also yielded the most yards (7,042) ever in a single season
Payton said New Orleans will switch to a 3-4 defense in 2013 "and right now is the best time to accomplish this transition."
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