The New Orleans Saints dismissed head coach Dennis Allen on Monday, following a seventh consecutive defeat that marked the franchise’s longest losing streak since 1999. Assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi has stepped in as the interim head coach.
“Dennis has been a valued member of our organization for many years, and he is highly respected across the NFL,” Saints owner Gayle Benson said in a statement. “He has been loyal, professional, and above all, an outstanding football coach for us. This decision was difficult for me and the organization, but we felt it was necessary at this time. I wish Dennis and his family nothing but the best, and he will always be held in the highest regard by everyone here.”
Allen’s departure makes him the second NFL head coach to be let go this season, following the New York Jets’ release of Robert Saleh last month. Allen initially took on the head coach role in 2022 after serving as the Saints’ defensive coordinator from 2015 to 2021 under former head coach Sean Payton. During his three-season tenure as head coach, Allen led the team to an 18-25 record without a playoff appearance.
The Saints’ 2024 season has been plagued by injuries, with quarterback Derek Carr missing time due to an oblique strain, while multiple offensive players also suffered setbacks. Wide receiver Rashid Shaheed sustained a season-ending injury in Week 6, and his teammate Chris Olave has had two concussions, the most recent occurring on Sunday, after which he was briefly hospitalized and then released.
The Saints’ 23-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 9 extended their losing streak to seven games after they opened the season with two impressive wins, scoring a combined 91 points. Following the close loss to Carolina, Allen expressed his frustration, stating he was “hurting.” When asked if a coaching change might help, Allen commented, “We just have to do better.”
The Saints now sit at 2-7, tied for last place with the Panthers in the NFC South. This marks Allen’s second midseason firing as a head coach; he was previously released by the then-Oakland Raiders in 2014, where Derek Carr was also his quarterback.
“Dennis is an exceptional coach,” Saints executive vice president and general manager Mickey Loomis remarked. “We’ve faced a relentless string of injuries this season, which took a heavy toll. Dennis never made excuses and fought hard for this organization every day, which makes today particularly disappointing. Dennis has been integral to the Saints’ success for nearly two decades, and he will be missed.”
The Saints are set to face the Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns in Weeks 10 and 11 before their Week 12 bye.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/04/spor...orleans-saints-head-coach-spt-intl/index.html
“Dennis has been a valued member of our organization for many years, and he is highly respected across the NFL,” Saints owner Gayle Benson said in a statement. “He has been loyal, professional, and above all, an outstanding football coach for us. This decision was difficult for me and the organization, but we felt it was necessary at this time. I wish Dennis and his family nothing but the best, and he will always be held in the highest regard by everyone here.”
Allen’s departure makes him the second NFL head coach to be let go this season, following the New York Jets’ release of Robert Saleh last month. Allen initially took on the head coach role in 2022 after serving as the Saints’ defensive coordinator from 2015 to 2021 under former head coach Sean Payton. During his three-season tenure as head coach, Allen led the team to an 18-25 record without a playoff appearance.
The Saints’ 2024 season has been plagued by injuries, with quarterback Derek Carr missing time due to an oblique strain, while multiple offensive players also suffered setbacks. Wide receiver Rashid Shaheed sustained a season-ending injury in Week 6, and his teammate Chris Olave has had two concussions, the most recent occurring on Sunday, after which he was briefly hospitalized and then released.
The Saints’ 23-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 9 extended their losing streak to seven games after they opened the season with two impressive wins, scoring a combined 91 points. Following the close loss to Carolina, Allen expressed his frustration, stating he was “hurting.” When asked if a coaching change might help, Allen commented, “We just have to do better.”
The Saints now sit at 2-7, tied for last place with the Panthers in the NFC South. This marks Allen’s second midseason firing as a head coach; he was previously released by the then-Oakland Raiders in 2014, where Derek Carr was also his quarterback.
“Dennis is an exceptional coach,” Saints executive vice president and general manager Mickey Loomis remarked. “We’ve faced a relentless string of injuries this season, which took a heavy toll. Dennis never made excuses and fought hard for this organization every day, which makes today particularly disappointing. Dennis has been integral to the Saints’ success for nearly two decades, and he will be missed.”
The Saints are set to face the Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns in Weeks 10 and 11 before their Week 12 bye.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/04/spor...orleans-saints-head-coach-spt-intl/index.html