Dennis Allen has lost for the sixth time in a row. According to individuals familiar with the matter, the New Orleans Saints sacked their head coach on Monday after a disheartening 23–22 loss to division rival Carolina, as reported by NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.
Later, the team made the announcement. Darren Rizzi, the special teams coordinator, was named the interim head coach of New Orleans.
After Sean Payton left as head coach in 2022, Allen transitioned from his position as defensive coordinator, which he had held for seven seasons in New Orleans, to the big chair. Allen’s record in his 43 games as head coach was 18-25 (.419).
What Gayle Benson Had To Say
Saints owner Gayle Benson in a statement said, “Dennis has been part of our organization for many years. He is highly regarded within the NFL. He has been extremely loyal and professional and most importantly an excellent football coach for us. All of this makes today very tough for me and our organization.”
He added, “However, this decision is something that I felt we needed to make at this time. I wish nothing but the best in the future for Dennis and his family. He will always be considered in the highest regard by me and everyone within our organization.”
He wrapped up by saying, “I am proud to have worked alongside some great coaches, both as an assistant and during my time as the head coach. To those men, I am sincerely grateful for the time and effort they put into their jobs. I am also grateful for the entire staff that worked hard to provide the support and will miss our daily interactions.”
Background
The 52-year-old coach started the 2024 season on the hot seat after missing the playoffs for consecutive seasons. There were a lot of locker room questions toward the end of the 2023 season, but the Saints stuck with Allen.
In an attempt to turn around a stagnant offense, the coach brought in coordinator Klint Kubiak. Two weeks later, the transition appeared flawless.
In decisive victories over the Panthers and Cowboys, the Saints scored more than 40 points. The games seem to have been played ten years ago. The Saints then marched down a precipice.
On Sunday, New Orleans suffered its seventh straight defeat at the hands of a Panthers squad that it vastly outperformed in Week 1. The atmosphere following the defeat revealed a locker room that never really appeared to be behind the coach.
Allen’s hold on his job eroded with every defeat. It was taken away by a sixth consecutive loss.