Saints Make A Shocking Staff Move Ahead Of Trade Deadline
The New Orleans Saints have made a surprising move ahead of the NFL trade deadline. The team has reportedly fired head coach Dennis Allen following the Saints’ 23-22 loss to the one-win Carolina Panthers. This dropped New Orleans to 2-7 and extended the team’s losing streak to seven following a 2-0 start to the season.
Dennis Allen Fired After Three Seasons In New Orleans
Serving as the defensive coordinator under head coach Sean Payton, Dennis Allen was hired in 2021 to be the Saints’ 17th head coach in franchise history following Payton’s retirement. This would be his second stint as head coach following three years with the Oakland Raiders where he was fired after an 8-28 record.
Allen’s tenure in New Orleans was disappointing with fans calling for his departure even before the conclusion of last season. Following a 7-10 record in 2022, the team signed quarterback Derek Carr to an expensive contract in hopes of a return to the playoffs.
After being seen as favorites in a weak division with one of the easiest strengths of schedule, Allen’s squad missed the postseason with a record of 9-8 in 2023. He appeared to have the offense rejuvenated earlier this season with a 2-0 record scoring 40+ points in both games. Since then, the team has lost seven straight games and outscored 116-200 with his defense averaging 33.2 points allowed in the past four weeks.
Darren Rizzi Expected To Take Over As Head Coach
Special teams coordinator and assistant head coach Darren Rizzi is expected to take over head coaching duties in the interim, with 8 games to potentially make his case for the head coaching gig. The 54-year-old New Jersey native served last as head coach of Rhode Island in 2008 leading the NCAA DII college to a 5-4 record. He has coordinated special teams for the Miami Dolphins and New Orleans Saints since.
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