You can cross another name off the list of New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator candidates.
A day after interviewing with the team, University of Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham removed himself from the Saints' list of potential replacements for Steve Spagnuolo. Grantham released a statement confirming his decision on Friday.
"I want to thank Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints organization for the opportunity to interview and get to know them," the statement read. "They are a first class organization in every respect. As I said Wednesday, Georgia is a great place, my family loves it here, and I do as well.
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"This is where our heart is and today I have withdrawn my name from consideration for the position with the Saints. I'm excited to start preparations for another season and along with the rest of our defensive staff look forward to coaching some really good returning players as well as developing some very talented newcomers."
Grantham's departure from the picture is another sign that former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan will be the Saints' pick. NFL.com's Ian Rapoport has reported that Ryan has been the favorite in this process.
Ryan has told at least one person he believes he's getting the Saints job, according to Rapoport.
Saints coach Sean Paytonsaid Friday the Saints plan to meet with one more candidate next week, but it remains to be seen if it gets that far. Ryan was scheduled to interview with the team on Friday. If that went as expected, the Saints might already have their man.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
