The New Orleans Saints have part ways with head coach Dennis Allen following a disappointing seven-game losing streak, capped off by a narrow defeat to the Carolina Panthers. The team officially announced the decision, which was first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.
Darren Rizzi, the assistant head coach and special teams coordinator, has been appointed as the interim head coach as the Saints prepare for their upcoming match against the Atlanta Falcons.
Dennis Allen, 52, took over the Saints in 2022 after Sean Payton’s departure. His record during his tenure includes a 7-10 season in his first year, a slight improvement to 9-8 the following year, but a disappointing 2-7 start in the current season. This situation is reminiscent of Allen’s prior head coaching stint with the Raiders, where he too was dismissed midway through his third season. Before becoming head coach, Allen served as the Saints’ defensive coordinator for six years.
The Saints’ 2024 season has been heavily impacted by injuries to key players, including quarterback Derek Carr, who has missed games but returned recently. Other notable absences include tight end Taysom Hill, wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, center Erik McCoy, tackle Ryan Ramczyk, and cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo. Despite the injuries, the recent loss to Carolina, where the Saints dominated in many statistical categories yet fell short in the final moments, proved costly for Allen’s position.
Allen’s dismissal marks him as the second head coach to be fired this NFL season, following the New York Jets’ decision to let go of Robert Saleh earlier in October.
Looking ahead, Rizzi’s appointment as interim head coach presents an opportunity for the Saints to regroup and assess their strategies. With a focus on recovery and player management moving forward, the organization could capitalize on newfound energy and direction to turn the season around.
In summary, while the end of Allen’s tenure signifies a challenging period for the Saints, it also opens doors for potential revitalization as they look to rebound in the remainder of the season.