New Orleans Saints Part Ways with Head Coach Dennis Allen

The New Orleans Saints have dismissed head coach Dennis Allen following a string of poor performances, culminating in their seventh consecutive defeat of the season. The latest setback came in a narrow 23-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, marking the team’s longest losing streak since 1999.

Allen, who took over the head coaching role in 2022 after the departure of Sean Payton, leaves with a record of 18 wins from 43 games and no playoff appearances during his two-and-a-half-year tenure. The Saints’ struggles this season have been compounded by numerous injuries, although Allen refrained from making excuses.

In a statement, Saints owner Gayle Benson described the decision to part ways with Allen as “very tough” but necessary. General manager Mickey Loomis echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the season’s challenges, particularly the “avalanche of injuries” that plagued the team.

Special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi will serve as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Allen’s departure marks him as the second NFL head coach to be fired this season, following Robert Saleh’s dismissal by the New York Jets last month.

The Saints organization now looks ahead to finding a long-term leader capable of revitalizing the team and returning them to playoff contention.