The New Orleans Saints have fired head coach Dennis Allen after a disastrous seven-game losing streak, signaling a critical turning point for the struggling franchise.
At a Glance
- Dennis Allen fired as Saints head coach after 2-7 start to the season
- Saints lost seven straight games, including a 23-22 defeat to the struggling Carolina Panthers
- Special Teams Coordinator Darren Rizzi named interim head coach
- Allen leaves with an 18-25 record with the Saints and a 26-53 overall NFL coaching record
- Team cites injuries as a significant factor in the disappointing season
A Swift Fall from Grace
The New Orleans Saints’ decision to terminate Dennis Allen’s tenure as head coach comes after a disappointing 2-7 start to the season, punctuated by a humiliating seven-game losing streak. The NFL confirmed Allen’s dismissal on Monday morning, following multiple reports that had circulated earlier in the day.
The Saints’ season began with promise, as the team started 2-0. However, the wheels quickly came off, culminating in a 23-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers, widely regarded as one of the weakest teams in the league. This defeat proved to be the final straw for the Saints’ leadership.
Saints fire Dennis Allen with losing streak at seven games https://t.co/R6adhFkgat pic.twitter.com/T2wdzxfuip
— Reuters (@Reuters) November 4, 2024
A Legacy of Disappointment
Dennis Allen’s overall record with the Saints stands at a disappointing 18-25. His NFL coaching career record of 26-53 places him near the bottom of the league’s all-time coaching rankings. With a career win percentage of .327, Allen ranks 147th out of 149 coaches with 75 or more games under their belt.
“Head coach Dennis Allen has been fired by the New Orleans Saints,” the NFL announced in a statement.
The decision to part ways with Allen marks the first midseason coaching change for the Saints since Tom Benson acquired the franchise. It underscores the urgency felt by team ownership to right the ship and salvage what remains of a deeply disappointing season.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for the Saints
In the wake of Allen’s departure, the Saints have named Special Teams Coordinator Darren Rizzi as interim head coach. Rizzi brings previous head coaching experience at the collegiate level, which the organization hopes will provide stability during this transitional period.
“Dennis has been part of our organization for many years. 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. He will always be considered in the highest regard by me and everyone within our organization,” Saints owner Gayle Benson said in a statement.
