In a stunning midseason move, the New Orleans Saints fired head coach Dennis Allen on Monday following the team’s seventh straight loss, a shocking 23-22 defeat to the lowly Carolina Panthers. The decision sent shockwaves through the NFL, as Allen was once seen as the heir apparent to Sean Payton and the man to lead the post-Drew Brees era in New Orleans. So where did it all go wrong for the 50-year-old coach? Let’s examine the key factors that led to Allen’s untimely demise.
The Quarterback Carousel
Allen’s tenure in New Orleans was marred by instability at the game’s most important position. After Brees’ retirement in 2021, the Saints failed to find a suitable replacement, bouncing between Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton, and finally settling on Derek Carr in 2023. The constant changes under center prevented the offense from establishing an identity and building chemistry.
The low point came in a Week 7 loss to the Cardinals in 2023, when Dalton threw two pick-sixes before halftime. Allen infamously told the veteran to “keep doing what you’re doing” in a sideline interview, a soundbite that would haunt him for the next two seasons.
Clashes with Carr
Allen reunited with Carr, his former Raiders draft pick, in 2023 hoping to recapture their early success. But the partnership quickly soured, with Carr seen yelling at teammates and coaches on multiple occasions. Tensions boiled over in a Week 7 loss to the Jaguars, with Carr berating receiver Chris Olave over a route. Rather than back his young star, Allen publicly took Carr’s side, a move that reportedly didn’t sit well in the locker room.
I heard those things about Allen maybe being on the hot seat when I signed, but I wasn’t really concerned. I just wanted to play for this team and these guys.
Derek Carr on outside concerns when he joined the Saints
Underutilizing Talent
One of the most puzzling aspects of Allen’s tenure was his refusal to feature tight end Jimmy Graham, even as the offense struggled in the red zone. The former All-Pro was a healthy scratch for four games before finally being activated in Week 13. He promptly caught touchdowns in three straight contests, leaving many wondering what took so long.
Losing the Locker Room
According to team sources, Allen’s conservative style and lack of accountability began to grate on players, especially after late-game collapses. The pivotal moment came after a Week 18 win over the Falcons in 2023, when Jameis Winston audibled to a play to get running back Jamaal Williams a touchdown. Allen later apologized to Atlanta coach Arthur Smith, a move that did not go over well with his players.
As your head coach, you want him to defend you, no matter what. Apologizing for that [play], it felt like he hung us out to dry.
Anonymous Saints player on Allen’s apology
Heading into 2024, Allen had overhauled his offensive staff and seemingly had management’s full support. But a promising 2-0 start quickly gave way to a seven-game losing streak, punctuated by lifeless efforts against opponents the Saints had dominated in the past.
Linebacker Willie Gay said the team hit “rock bottom” after Sunday’s loss to Carolina, watching frustrated teammates crack jokes on social media about which squad was worse. Less than 24 hours later, Allen was gone, the latest head coach casualty in a brutal business.
What’s Next in New Orleans?
Special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi takes over as interim coach, tasked with salvaging a season that began with playoff aspirations. Whoever gets the permanent job faces major questions, from an aging roster to a quarterback on the wrong side of 30 with a hefty contract. Wholesale changes could be coming on the bayou.
As for Allen, it’s a unceremonious end to a New Orleans tenure that began with such promise. From leading dominant defenses as a coordinator to helping the Saints win without Payton in 2021, he seemed like the perfect choice to lead the franchise forward. Instead, he becomes another cautionary tale of the harsh realities of NFL coaching.
According to team sources, Allen’s conservative style and lack of accountability began to grate on players, especially after late-game collapses. The pivotal moment came after a Week 18 win over the Falcons in 2023, when Jameis Winston audibled to a play to get running back Jamaal Williams a touchdown. Allen later apologized to Atlanta coach Arthur Smith, a move that did not go over well with his players.
As your head coach, you want him to defend you, no matter what. Apologizing for that [play], it felt like he hung us out to dry.
Anonymous Saints player on Allen’s apology
Heading into 2024, Allen had overhauled his offensive staff and seemingly had management’s full support. But a promising 2-0 start quickly gave way to a seven-game losing streak, punctuated by lifeless efforts against opponents the Saints had dominated in the past.
Linebacker Willie Gay said the team hit “rock bottom” after Sunday’s loss to Carolina, watching frustrated teammates crack jokes on social media about which squad was worse. Less than 24 hours later, Allen was gone, the latest head coach casualty in a brutal business.
What’s Next in New Orleans?
Special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi takes over as interim coach, tasked with salvaging a season that began with playoff aspirations. Whoever gets the permanent job faces major questions, from an aging roster to a quarterback on the wrong side of 30 with a hefty contract. Wholesale changes could be coming on the bayou.
As for Allen, it’s a unceremonious end to a New Orleans tenure that began with such promise. From leading dominant defenses as a coordinator to helping the Saints win without Payton in 2021, he seemed like the perfect choice to lead the franchise forward. Instead, he becomes another cautionary tale of the harsh realities of NFL coaching.
