*New Orleans, LA – March 7, 2025* – The New Orleans Saints have officially parted ways with head coach Dennis Allen after suffering their seventh consecutive loss of the season. The team announced the decision late Monday night, confirming that special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi will take over as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
### **A Disappointing Tenure**
Allen, who took over as head coach in 2022 following the retirement of longtime Saints coach Sean Payton, struggled to maintain the team’s competitive edge. In his three seasons at the helm, the Saints failed to make the playoffs, finishing with records of 7-10 in 2022, 9-8 in 2023, and a dismal 3-10 so far in the 2024 season. The team’s recent losing streak, capped by a 31-14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, proved to be the final straw for ownership.
“This is not a decision we made lightly,” Saints owner Gayle Benson said in a statement. “Dennis has given his heart and soul to this organization, and we appreciate his hard work. Unfortunately, the results have not been what we had hoped for, and we feel a change is necessary to move forward.”
### **Team’s Struggles Under Allen**
Despite inheriting a roster with talent on both sides of the ball, Allen was unable to deliver consistent success. His tenure was marked by an underperforming offense, inconsistent quarterback play, and an aging defense that struggled to recapture its former dominance. The Saints also faced a series of injuries to key players, including quarterback Derek Carr, star receiver Chris Olave, and defensive leader Cameron Jordan.
Allen’s defensive background made him an appealing candidate when he was promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach, but the Saints’ defense failed to perform at the elite level expected. This season, the team ranks 28th in total defense and 24th in scoring offense, statistics that highlight the team’s overall struggles.
### **Darren Rizzi Steps In**
With Allen out, the team is turning to Darren Rizzi, who has served as the Saints’ special teams coordinator since 2019. Rizzi, 53, is a respected figure in the locker room and has built one of the NFL’s most consistent special teams units. Prior to joining the Saints, he spent over a decade with the Miami Dolphins in various coaching roles.
“I’m honored to step into this role and do everything I can to help this team finish the season strong,” Rizzi said in a press conference. “The players are frustrated, the fans are frustrated, and we need to get back to playing Saints football.”
### **What’s Next for the Saints?**
With the season all but lost, the Saints’ focus now shifts to the future. The front office will likely begin its search for a permanent head coach in the coming months, with potential candidates including former Titans coach Mike Vrabel, Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh, and Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
The team will also have to make key roster decisions in the offseason, particularly at quarterback. Derek Carr, who signed a four-year, $150 million contract in 2023, has struggled with consistency, and the Saints may explore drafting a young quarterback to develop for the future.
For now, Rizzi will attempt to rally the team for the final four games of the season, starting with a matchup against the Carolina Panthers next week. While playoff hopes are nonexistent, the Saints will look to salvage some dignity and end the season on a positive note.
### **Fan and Player Reactions**
Reactions from players and fans have been mixed. Some players, including Alvin Kamara, expressed appreciation for Allen but acknowledged the need for change.
“We all love DA as a person, but at the end of the day, this is a results-driven business,” Kamara said. “We have to find a way to get back to winning football.”
Saints fans, who have grown increasingly frustrated with the team’s performance, largely welcomed the move. Social media was flooded with reactions, many calling for a fresh start and a new direction.
With Allen gone and Rizzi stepping in, the Saints now embark on yet another coaching transition, hoping to rediscover the success that defined the Sean Payton era. Only time will tell if this latest change will bring the franchise back to prominence.