New Orleans Saints fire head coach Dennis Allen after seventh straight loss

The New Orleans Saints have announced the firing of head coach Dennis Allen, following a seventh consecutive loss that marks the team’s longest losing streak since 1999. This decision was made official on Monday, with assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi stepping in as interim head coach.

Saints owner Gayle Benson expressed her deep respect for Allen in a statement, acknowledging his long tenure with the organization. “Dennis has been part of our organization for many years. He is highly regarded within the NFL,” she stated. “He has been extremely loyal and professional, and most importantly, an excellent football coach for us. This decision is something that I felt we needed to make at this time. I wish nothing but the best for Dennis and his family.”

Allen’s dismissal makes him the second NFL head coach to lose his job this season, following the New York Jets’ decision to part ways with Robert Saleh. Allen, who took over as head coach in 2022 after serving as the team’s defensive coordinator from 2015 to 2021 under Sean Payton, struggled to find success during his tenure. Over three seasons, he compiled an 18-25 record, failing to secure a playoff spot.

The current season has been particularly challenging for the Saints, plagued by injuries to key players. Quarterback Derek Carr has missed time due to an oblique strain, while the team’s offensive arsenal has also been compromised. Wide receiver Rashid Shaheed was ruled out for the remainder of the season following a serious injury in Week 6, and Chris Olave has faced multiple concussions, the latest occurring during the recent game against the Carolina Panthers.

Allen’s firing came after a narrow 23-22 defeat to the Panthers in Week 9, marking the culmination of a disappointing stretch following an initial two-game winning streak. During those early victories, the Saints showcased their potential, scoring a combined 91 points. However, since then, they have struggled offensively, unable to match their earlier performances.

In the wake of the loss to Carolina, Allen expressed his emotional state, stating he was “hurting.” When pressed by reporters about the possibility of a mid-season coaching change, he emphasized the need for improvement, saying, “I just think we’ve got to do better.” He acknowledged the challenges the team faced but believed that a coaching change might not be the solution, insisting on evaluating the situation thoroughly.

Currently, the Saints sit at 2-7, tied for last place in the NFC South alongside the Panthers. This marks Allen’s second mid-season firing, having previously been let go by the Oakland Raiders in 2014, coincidentally while Carr was also his quarterback.

Saints executive vice president and general manager Mickey Loomis reflected on Allen’s contributions, noting, “Dennis has been an integral part of this organization’s success for the better part of twenty years. He will be missed.” He recognized the toll injuries took on the team’s performance this season but praised Allen for his dedication and resilience in the face of adversity.

Looking ahead, the Saints will host the Atlanta Falcons and the Cleveland Browns in Weeks 10 and 11, respectively, before entering a bye week in Week 12. The team will look to Rizzi to stabilize their performance and rekindle hope for the remainder of the season as they aim to break out of their current slump.

With a new coach at the helm, the Saints will need to quickly adapt and find ways to overcome the challenges posed by injuries and inconsistencies. The coming weeks will be crucial for the organization as it seeks to regroup and move forward after a tumultuous start to the season.