The New Orleans Saints have parted ways with head coach Dennis Allen following the team’s seventh consecutive loss, sources revealed to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi has been named interim head coach as the Saints aim to reset and salvage what remains of the season. This decision follows Sunday’s narrow 23-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers, extending the Saints’ disappointing winless stretch.
A Season that Started Strong, Then Spiraled
After winning their first two games, the Saints have struggled to find their footing, resulting in a prolonged losing streak. Despite the mounting losses, Allen remained committed, telling reporters after Sunday’s game, “I’m going to keep coming in every day and fighting my ass off just like I have every single day that I’ve been here.” However, this dedication wasn’t enough to turn the season around.
Saints’ First Midseason Head Coach Firing Since 1980
The decision to remove Allen marks the first midseason coaching change for the Saints since 1980. Back then, head coach Dick Nolan was dismissed after an 0-12 start, a significant move that preceded the tenure of current ownership under the late Tom Benson, who acquired the team in 1985. Allen, who took over from legendary coach Sean Payton in 2022, ends his stint with an 18-25 record.
A Season of Injuries and Struggles on Offense
General Manager Mickey Loomis initially stood by Allen, defending him in January after a 9-8 finish to the 2022 season, citing the slow starts of several now-famous coaches. The Saints even made substantial changes to the offensive staff in the offseason, letting go of longtime offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael in hopes of a turnaround. However, the offensive struggles persisted. Allen’s time was further marred by injuries to key players, including quarterback Derek Carr, several starting offensive linemen, and top wide receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed.
Derek Carr and Michael Thomas Clash on Social Media
Injuries compounded the Saints’ difficulties, with Chris Olave sustaining a concussion in Sunday’s loss. Former Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas vented his frustrations online, appearing to blame Carr for Olave’s injury in a series of posts on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The fanbase’s disappointment was evident as well, as they voiced frustration on social media and even walked out during a 33-10 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 7, where they faced former head coach Sean Payton.
Saints Defense Declines as Frustration Grows
Once a stronghold for the team, the Saints’ defense has also faltered this season, sliding to last place in total defense before the Panthers matchup. Defensive players expressed disappointment online, with longtime defensive end Cameron Jordan tweeting, “We just lost to the Panthers… I love y’all New Orleans truly had higher expectations and the best of hopes for us, y’all deserve it.” This tweet sparked further debate, with both Saints and Panthers players weighing in on their shared 2-7 records.
A Long Tenure with the Saints Comes to an End
Allen’s career with the Saints spans nearly two decades. He originally joined the team in 2006 as an assistant defensive line coach and contributed to the Saints’ historic Super Bowl win in 2009 as the secondary coach. After a brief tenure as the Broncos’ defensive coordinator in 2011, Allen was named head coach of the then-Oakland Raiders, a role in which he struggled with an 8-28 record before being fired in 2014. He returned to New Orleans in 2015, where he was promoted to defensive coordinator and eventually to head coach in 2022 following Sean Payton’s departure.
Next Steps for the Saints Franchise
The Saints’ decision to release Allen reflects a broader effort to reassess leadership and rebuild amid a challenging season. As interim head coach, Darren Rizzi will aim to reinvigorate the team and stabilize the rest of the season. With Allen’s departure, the Saints will likely undergo further changes to restore competitiveness and reconnect with their passionate fanbase.
