Saints make massive change after Week 9 loss

Nov 5, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the New Orleans Saints helmet on the team bench against the Chicago Bears during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints have decided to make a major change in the wake of Sunday’s loss to the Carolina Panthers.

Dennis Allen has been fired as head coach of the Saints, according to multiple reports.

Saints assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi is expected to be named the team’s interim head coach.

Allen was in his third season as the head coach in New Orleans. He had previously served as the team’s defensive coordinator under Sean Payton and was promoted after Payton left following the 2021 season.

The 52-year-old Allen finishes with a regular-season record of 18-25 with New Orleans. He did not lead the team to the postseason. The Saints’ 23-22 loss to the Panthers on Sunday was their seventh straight defeat.

There had been talk during the offseason that the Saints could move on from Allen, and some fans went to great lengths to show that they wanted the coach fired. General manager Mickey Loomis decided to stick with Allen and offered a bold defense for not making a change.

The Saints got off to a historic start this season and scored 91 points across their first two games. It has been all downhill since, though injuries to Derek Carr, Chris Olave, and other key players have played a role in the losing streak. Despite that, the team felt a drastic change was needed heading into Week 10.