By Ross Jackson
CHARLOTTE — Dennis Allen has been fired according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
For three seasons, after a decade and a half of excellence, he has led the development and deployment of an insufficient product. When that product is no longer serving the business, this is exactly what has to happen.
Allen’s tenure as the Saints head coach was coming off the heels of productive streaks. Home win streaks, rushing defense streaks, and more. However, the last three years have been about firsts. The first seven-game losing streak since 1999, first team to lose a game after outgaining the opponent but more than 150 yards and winning the turnover battle. First victory formation for Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. And now it ends as the first in-season coach firing in many years for New Orleans.
The Saints had to make this decision. Especially after reports that Allen had lost the locker room. I checked in with players on both sides of the ball that have multiple years experience with Allen to ask about whether or not he had actually lost the locker room. One player replied with a stern “Been lost.”
You can’t keep that around for much longer if you’re owner Gayle Benson.
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 4, 2024
Special teams coordinator and assistant head coach Darren Rizzi has been named interim head coach. Defensive coordinator Joe Woods should be a candidate for taking on defensive play calling duties. The Saints will then look for their next, permanent head coach after the season.
The next era of New Orleans Saints football is on the way.
