The New Orleans Saints fired head coach Dennis Allen following a dramatic fall from their 2-0 start, marking the end of a tenure that began with promise but concluded in a seven-game losing streak.
Allen’s dismissal comes after the Saints’ latest defeat to the Carolina Panthers, the same team they dominated in their season opener. His overall record stands at 18-25, with no playoff appearances during his time as head coach.
Assistant Coach and Special Teams Coordinator Darren Rizzi will serve as interim head coach, team officials announced Monday.
The Saints opened 2024 with two commanding victories, outscoring the Panthers and Dallas Cowboys by a combined 91-29. That early success positioned New Orleans as an early playoff contender.
The collapse that followed included several lopsided losses:
– Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 51-27
– Denver Broncos: 33-10
– Los Angeles Chargers: 26-8
These defeats exposed weaknesses on both sides of the ball. The once-potent offense that scored 91 points in two games managed just eight points against the Chargers. The defense, traditionally a Saints strength, surrendered 51 points to division rival Tampa Bay.
The stark contrast between the team’s early dominance and recent struggles highlights the volatility of NFL success. After their opening victories, SB Nation dubbed the Saints “the story of the season,” praise that quickly turned to criticism as losses mounted.
The coaching change comes at a critical juncture, with several divisional games remaining on the schedule. Rizzi inherits a team searching for its first victory since September, facing mounting pressure to salvage what remains of the season.
Allen’s departure marks another chapter in the Saints’ post-Sean Payton era, as the franchise continues seeking stability following the legendary coach’s exit. The team has not reached the playoffs since 2020, their longest postseason drought in over a decade.
