The New Orleans Saints have made the decision to part ways with head coach Dennis Allen following a disappointing seven-game losing streak, marking the team's longest losing streak since 1999. The announcement came after a defeat against the last-place Carolina Panthers.
Saints general manager expressed his appreciation for Allen's coaching abilities, acknowledging the challenges faced by the team this season, particularly due to a significant number of injuries. Despite the adversity, Allen's dedication and commitment to the organization were highlighted.
Special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi has been appointed as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season, as the Saints aim to salvage what has been a challenging year with a current record of 2-7.
Allen, who took over as head coach in 2022, has a record of 18-25 without a playoff appearance during his tenure. He succeeded Sean Payton, the most successful coach in Saints history, who had a brief retirement from coaching.
During Allen's time as the defensive coordinator, the Saints' defense consistently ranked among the top 10 in the NFL in 2020 and 2021. However, the team struggled offensively, particularly in close games, leading to the decision to make a coaching change.
This season, the Saints' offense faced challenges with injuries to key players, impacting their performance on the field. Despite a strong start with consecutive victories in the first two weeks, the offense struggled to maintain momentum and has since dropped to 16th in yards per game.
While Allen's defensive expertise is recognized, the team's defensive ranking has fallen to 28th, allowing an average of 376.4 yards per game.
With the team's playoff hopes fading, the decision to relieve Allen of his coaching duties was made in an effort to spark a turnaround for the remainder of the season.
Allen's future prospects as a head coach in the NFL appear uncertain, given his overall coaching record of 26-53, including his previous stint with the Oakland Raiders.
Despite the difficult decision, the Saints organization remains focused on regaining momentum and finishing the season on a positive note under new leadership.
