NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The New Orleans Saints have fired defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo after one season.

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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