Todd Grantham tells Saints he's staying at Georgia

Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham talks with members of the defense in this file photo.

Photo by Associated Press /Chattanooga Times Free Press.

Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham withdrew from consideration Friday for the same position with the New Orleans Saints.

Grantham interviewed Thursday with Saints head coach Sean Payton.

"I want to thank Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints organization for the opportunity to interview and get to know them," Grantham said in a statement released by Georgia's athletic department. "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. This is where our heart is."

Grantham has been at Georgia for three seasons, helping lead the Bulldogs to 22 victories the past two years and two Southeastern Conference East Division titles. The Bulldogs had a veteran defense this past season that ranked eighth nationally against the pass (175.64 yards allowed a game) and 18th in points allowed (19.64 per contest), but they were a disappointing 77th against the run (182.14).

Georgia could have as many as 10 defensive players selected in April's NFL draft, leaving Grantham with a sizable rebuilding project this spring.

"I'm excited to start preparations for another season," he said. "Along with the rest of our defensive staff, I look forward to coaching some really good returning players as well as developing some very talented newcomers."