New Orleans Saints fire Dennis Allen after seventh straight loss
Black and Gold drop to 2-7 on season after 20-10 loss to Cincinnati Bengals
Allen's firing comes after just one season as head coach of the Saints
The New Orleans Saints have fired head coach Dennis Allen after the team's seventh straight loss, a 20-10 defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The Saints are now 2-7 on the season, and Allen's firing comes after just one season at the helm.
Allen was hired by the Saints in January 2022 after Sean Payton stepped down following 16 seasons as head coach. Allen had previously served as the Saints' defensive coordinator from 2015 to 2021, and he was also the head coach of the Oakland Raiders from 2012 to 2014.
The Saints' offense has struggled mightily this season, ranking near the bottom of the league in most major statistical categories. Quarterback Jameis Winston has been inconsistent, and the team has been without several key offensive players due to injury.
The Saints' defense has also been a disappointment, allowing opponents to score an average of 27.4 points per game. The team has also struggled to generate turnovers, with just seven interceptions and four fumble recoveries on the season.
Allen's firing is a major setback for the Saints, who were hoping to compete for a playoff berth this season. The team will now turn to defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen as interim head coach.
Nielsen has been with the Saints since 2017, and he has a reputation as a rising star in the coaching ranks. He will be tasked with trying to turn around the Saints' season and get the team back on track.
The Saints will return to action on Sunday, November 13, when they host the Pittsburgh Steelers at Caesars Superdome. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT.
