One day after the New Orleans Saints lost to the Carolina Panthers 23-22 to lose their seventh consecutive game, the team's head coach has been fired.
The Saints dismissed head coach Dennis Allen on Monday morning. In a news release, team officials said special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi will serve as the team's interim head coach.
"Dennis has been part of our organization for many years. He is highly regarded within the NFL," Saints owner Gayle Benson said in that statement. "He has been extremely loyal and professional and most importantly an excellent football coach for us. All of this makes today very tough for me and our organization.
"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."
Allen, who led the team to a 7-10 finish in 2022 and a 9-8 finish last year, succeeded Sean Payton after the latter resigned following the 2021 season. Allen served two different terms as an assistant coach under Payton, serving as defensive coordinator before ascending to the head coaching job. Allen was on the 2009 staff that led the Saints to a Super Bowl championship.
"DA is an excellent football coach," Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said. "This season, we have had an avalanche of injuries. It took its toll. DA has never offered excuses, he fought each day for this organization and this team and that is what makes today disappointing. Dennis has been an integral part of this organization's success for the better part of twenty years. He will be missed."
This marks the first time that the Saints have fired a coach midseason since then owner John Mecom fired Dick Nolan midway through the disastrous 1980 season in which the Saints finished 1-15.
Allen released his own statement through the Saints organization late Monday morning. It reads as follows:
“I want to take this opportunity to first and foremost 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. I also want to thank Mickey Loomis for the support he and his staff provided throughout the entire time I was with the organization.
I am proud to have worked alongside some great coaches, both as an assistant and during my time as the head coach. To those men, I am sincerely grateful for the time and effort they put into their jobs. I am also grateful for the entire staff that worked hard to provide the support and will miss our daily interactions.
To every player, thank you for your efforts and contributions. As I said on Sunday, I never questioned your dedication and resolve and I am sorry the results weren’t better, because they were certainly deserved.
Lastly, to the Saints fans and residents of New Orleans, I want to thank you for your unwavering passion and support of the team. I realize what a privilege it is to coach a special franchise in a great city and I will fondly remember the opportunity I had to coach the Saints. I wish everyone with the Saints the best of luck and success going forward.”
