New Orleans Saints fire coach Dennis Allen, name Darren Rizzi interim coach

The New Orleans Saints announced on Monday that they have parted ways with head coach Dennis Allen. The move comes amid the Saints’ seven-game losing streak, including Sunday’s 23-22 last-minute defeat to the Carolina Panthers. Special Teams Coordinator Darren Rizzi has been named interim head coach.

In a post-game press conference after Sunday’s loss, Allen had reiterated his dedication to the team: “Obviously, when you’re not winning, it’s hard to say that you are, you know? I mean, that’s hard to say. Look, I got to be better for our guys. And here’s what I’ll say: I’m going to keep coming in every day and fight my a** off, just like I have every single day that I’ve been here, and I’ll just keep doing that .. I feel like I’m going to come in and try to do the very best job I can every single day. That’s what I’ve always done. I’ve been here for a long time, and that’s the way I’ve gone about doing my job.”

Saints owner Gayle Benson and General Manager Mickey Loomis issued statements following the decision to fire Allen. Benson said: “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.”  Loomis added, “DA is an excellent football coach. This season, we have had an avalanche of injuries. It took its toll. Dennis has been an integral part of this organization’s success for the better part of twenty years. He will be missed.”

Allen said in a statement: “I want to thank Gayle Benson for the opportunity to be the head coach of the New Orleans Saints. The organization will always be near and dear to my heart, and I am disappointed the results weren’t better.”  He later told NFL insider Jay Glazer: “Of course, I’m disappointed, but I love that organization, I love the people in there, and will always have so much love for the city of New Orleans. I always will!”  

Allen took over as the 17th head coach in franchise history in 2022, and leaves the organization with a 18-25 record, and an overall NFL coaching record of 26-53 (including his tenure with the Raiders).

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