Gayle Benson on Dennis Allen: I felt like we had to make that decision

The Saints have officially announced the firing of head coach Dennis Allen and the appointment of special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi as interim head coach.

“Dennis has been part of our organization for many years. He is highly regarded in the NFL. He was extremely loyal and professional and, above all, an excellent football coach for us. All of this makes today very difficult for me and our organization,” Saints owner Gayle Benson said in a statement. “However, I felt we had to make this decision at this time. I wish Dennis and his family nothing but the best for the future. He will always be held in the highest regard by me and everyone in our organization.”

Allen first joined the Saints in 2006 as an assistant defensive line coach. He was promoted to secondary coach in 2008 before becoming the Broncos' defensive coordinator in 2011. After serving as the Raiders' head coach from 2012 to 2014, he returned to New Orleans in 2015, first as a senior defensive assistant and then as defensive coordinator.

He remained in that position until 2022, when he was promoted to head coach following Sean Payton's resignation.

“DA is an excellent football coach,” GM Mickey Loomis said in a statement. “This season we had an avalanche of injuries. It took its toll. DA never offered excuses, he fought every day for this organization and this team and that is what makes today disappointing. Dennis has been an integral part of the success of this organization for almost 20 years. We will miss him.”

The Saints have lost seven straight after starting the season 0-2. Allen ends his tenure as head coach of New Orleans with an 18-25 record.