NEW ORLEANS -- Randy Mueller -- a man given to studying an issue thoroughly before making decisions -- seemed truly stunned by his sudden fall from golden boy to former general manager of the New Orleans Saints.

"I didn't know there was any problem, any issue, anything of any kind," Mueller said after Saints owner Tom Benson fired him citing a difference of management style and lack of communication. "I really didn't have any indication that this was coming."

Two years after Mueller was named the NFL executive of the year, and in the midst of negotiations to extend Mueller's contract, Benson said he'd been unhappy with Mueller for some time and no longer wanted him running the team.

"The decision we made had nothing to do with wins and losses," Benson said . "It had to do with the style of management and the communication style. I'm more of a hands-on owner. I like to know what's going on. In some cases decisions were made without me."

"Nothing could be farther from the truth," Mueller said. "I felt like we had an excellent relationship. I can't name one time we exchanged angry words, one falling out we had. And I certainly made it a point to consult with him on all decisions."

A night of pondering the firing left Mueller no clearer on why it had happened. He discounted speculation that he had done something since the draft to bring it on.

"I can promise you that nothing happened," Mueller said. "I'd like to know where the breakdown was, because in my mind, there was no breakdown."

Mueller and coach Jim Haslett were especially pleased with the draft this year, which netted them Tennessee receiver Donte Stallworth and defensive end Charles Grant in the first round. The addition of a group of veteran and rookie free agents along with the four offensive and five defensive players they got in the draft left them in good condition to rebound from the 7-9 season of last year, Mueller said.

"I'd never felt better about this team since I'd been here," Mueller said. "I think there's a great corps of young players now and it should be a good year."

Mueller said he did about 75 percent of the negotiations with draft choices and free agents. Benson, who has assumed the general manager title, said that will now be done by other members of the staff.

One of the things that apparently upset Benson was Mueller's interview with the Atlanta Falcons in February. Benson said Mueller's talk with the Falcons left him wondering if Mueller really wanted to be in New Orleans.

"I went to listen, that's all," Mueller said. "I didn't think it was anything more than that. I had no idea of leaving New Orleans at the time."

Atlanta general manager Harold Richardson resigned on Thursday. Mueller said he has given the job no thought.

Mueller has one year left on his salary. Benson said he would pay him for the remainder of his contract.

"I could take the year off," Mueller said "That's a possibility, but I get bored fast."