Tyrann Mathieu was among the many Saints players who spoke up and voiced their thoughts and opinions after New Orleans decided to fire the head coach on Monday.
“I’m from New Orleans so I remember when we weren’t very good on defense,” Mathieu told NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill. “We all played a part in him not being here anymore. … I think from an accountability standpoint, this just gives a chance to get together and get tighter.”
Even though there are several fans expressing joy and relief now that Allen is gone, Mathieu isn’t relishing in the events that have taken place at all.
“(I am) disappointed,” Mathieu said. “(It is) heartbreaking. First team I ever been that basically a coach got fired.”
The decision by team owner Gayle Benson to part ways with Allen came right after the Saints fell 23-22 to the Carolina Panthers, one of the worst teams in the NFL, on the road. That extended the Saints’ losing streak to seven games.
While injuries and other issues have plagued the Saints and continued to this backside after they started the season on a two-game winning streak, there is no doubt that coaching played a part.
Now the Saints will, at least temporarily, look to the talents of special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi to hopefully get them back to the right side of the win column as they face the visiting Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
