The New Orleans Saints announced the dismissal of head coach Dennis Allen on Monday following a 23-22 loss to division rival Carolina Panthers. This defeat marked the team’s seventh consecutive loss, contributing to a disheartening 2-7 season start. The announcement, confirmed by NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, highlighted the Saints’ challenging season and the necessity for change.
Darren Rizzi, the team’s special teams coordinator, was named interim head coach, stepping in to lead the team through the remainder of the season. Saints owner Gayle Benson expressed gratitude for Allen’s years of service with the organization, acknowledging his commitment, professionalism, and loyalty. “Dennis has been part of our organization for many years,” she said. “He is highly regarded within the NFL… 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.”
Allen’s history with the Saints runs deep. Before taking the head coach role, he served as the team’s defensive coordinator for seven seasons under Sean Payton. His elevation to head coach in 2022 followed Payton’s departure, but despite familiarity with the team, Allen struggled to bring New Orleans consistent success. Across 43 games as head coach, he accumulated an 18-25 record. He reflected on his tenure, expressing disappointment that he couldn’t deliver better results but extending his thanks to Benson and Saints general manager Mickey Loomis, along with his coaching staff. “The organization will always be near and dear to my heart,” Allen stated, “and I am disappointed the results weren’t better.”
Allen’s dismissal comes after a tumultuous season that began with high hopes but quickly took a turn for the worse. The 52-year-old coach had entered 2024 under pressure, following two consecutive seasons without a playoff berth. His tenure saw unresolved locker room issues spill into the offseason, leaving the Saints’ leadership with lingering questions. Nonetheless, they stood by Allen, bringing in offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak to reinvigorate the team’s attack. Initially, the move appeared successful as the Saints posted 40-plus points in decisive victories over the Panthers and Cowboys. However, the momentum faded quickly as they embarked on a seven-game losing streak—their longest since 1999.
This season marked a low point in Allen’s head coaching record, marred by mismanagement and a growing rift in the locker room. In taking over from Payton, a Super Bowl-winning coach, Allen inherited a roster full of veteran talent, but he struggled to leverage it to deliver consistent results. Many saw his promotion as a natural progression, yet his tenure fell short of expectations. Loomis expressed admiration for Allen’s dedication to the organization despite challenges, noting that injuries played a significant role in the team’s performance this season. “D.A. has never offered excuses; he fought each day for this organization and this team,” said Loomis. “Dennis has been an integral part of this organization’s success for the better part of twenty years. He will be missed.”
This is not Allen’s first midseason dismissal. The Oakland Raiders previously relieved him of head coaching duties in 2014 after just four games. Allen’s career record stands at 26-53, raising questions about whether his strengths lie more in coordinating than head coaching.
The Saints now face critical decisions as they look to rebuild. Loomis’ future with the team is uncertain, as Benson may consider a complete overhaul. Quarterback Derek Carr’s role moving forward is also in question, along with the futures of other veteran players. The Saints, known for their “can-kicking” approach to cap management and roster building, must now consider a reset, one made difficult by the lack of younger assets.
The Saints’ string of defeats ultimately ended Allen’s tenure, which could signal the beginning of a broader restructuring for the team. As New Orleans enters the second half of the season, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see what direction the organization takes next in its search for renewed competitiveness and stability.
