After posting a dismal 10-38 record in three seasons as the St. Louis Rams' head coach, Spagnuolo oversaw a 2012 Saints defense that not only set the NFL record for most yards allowed in a season but also ranked 29th in sacks, 31st in pass defense and dead last against the run. Along the way, he drew the ire of at least one Saints defensive player, who accused Spagnuolo of being a "control freak" with "no patience and zero personality."