The New Orleans Saints parted ways with head coach Dennis Allen on Monday following a disappointing loss to the Carolina Panthers, as reported by NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. The team later confirmed the decision. After a promising start to the season at 2-0, the Saints have struggled significantly, suffering seven consecutive defeats.
In light of this development, assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi has been appointed as the interim head coach, set to lead the team into their Week 10 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
Dennis Allen, 52, joined the Saints to take the reins from Sean Payton in 2022. His tenure has been marked by challenges, with a record of 7-10 in his first year, followed by a slightly improved 9-8 last season, and a troubling 2-7 start in 2024. This experience echoes his earlier stint as head coach of the Raiders, where he was also dismissed midway through his third season. Prior to becoming head coach, Allen served as the Saints’ defensive coordinator from 2015 to 2021.
This season has been further complicated for the Saints by a series of injuries. Key players, including quarterback Derek Carr, tight end Taysom Hill, and cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo, have either missed time or played through injuries, impacting team performance. The narrow loss to the Panthers seemed to seal Allen’s fate, as the Saints outperformed their opponents in key statistics but faltered at crucial moments. On top of this, the team faced injury setbacks, including a concussion for receiver Chris Olave.
With Allen’s departure, he becomes the second NFL head coach this season to be fired, following the New York Jets’ decision to let go of Robert Saleh on October 8.
Looking ahead, the Saints have the opportunity to reset under Rizzi’s leadership. The interim coach’s experience may provide the fresh perspective needed to reverse their fortunes, and the return of players from injury could bolster the team’s capabilities as they prepare for the remainder of the season. This transition period might just bring the much-needed change to reignite the team’s competitive spirit.
Summary: The New Orleans Saints have fired head coach Dennis Allen after a series of losses, appointing Darren Rizzi as interim head coach. Allen’s record has worsened over the seasons, culminating in a difficult start to 2024. Despite injuries impacting the roster, the team remains hopeful for a turnaround under new leadership.