The New Orleans Saints have fired head coach Dennis Allen following two-and-a-half seasons in charge after the team suffered its seventh successive defeat on Sunday.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Monday that the Saints are moving on from Allen in the wake of their 23-22 defeat to the struggling Carolina Panthers.
Allen took over as Saints head coach in 2022 when he was promoted from defensive coordinator, a role he had held since 2015, following the retirement of now-Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton.
The former Raiders head coach departs with a record of 18-25 having failed to reach the playoffs, his side enduring a seven-game skid after starting the year 2-0, including an impressive victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
"Dennis has been part of our organisation for many years. He is highly regarded within the NFL. He has been extremely loyal and professional and most importantly an excellent football coach for us. All of this makes today very tough for me and our organisation," said Saints owner Gayle Benson in a statement.
"However, this decision is something that I felt we needed to make at this time. I wish nothing but the best in the future for Dennis and his family. He will always be considered in the highest regard by me and everyone within our organisation."
Allen's defense ranked 28th in total yards allowed, 27th in passing yards, 25th in rushing and 26th in scoring through nine games in the 2024 season.
They surrendered 51 points and 594 yards in a 51-27 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week Six, while the quarterback position continues to be an issue amid the inconsistencies of Derek Carr and the injury setbacks that paved the way for rookie fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler to temporarily take the reins.
New Orleans meanwhile ranked 16th in total yards on offense, 18th in passing, 13th in rushing and 16th in scoring following its slump after a bright start to the year.
"DA is an excellent football coach," added Saints executive vice president and general manager Mickey Loomis. "This season, we have had an avalanche of injuries. It took its toll.
"DA has never offered excuses, he fought each day for this organisation and this team and that is what makes today disappointing. Dennis has been an integral part of this organisation's success for the better part of 20 years. He will be missed."
Special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi is set to take over as the interim coach, NFL Network's Rapoport added.
The Saints have not reached the playoffs since the 2020 season when they were beaten by the Buccaneers in the Divisional Round. Allen was 7-10 in his first year in charge before finishing 9-8 in 2023.
He becomes the second head coach to be fired this season after the New York Jets relieved Robert Saleh of his duties following the team's defeat to the Minnesota Vikings in London.
Watch the New York Giants take on the Carolina Panthers live from Munich, Germany on Sky Sports NFL from 1.30pm this Sunday.
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