The New Orleans Saints have fired head coach Dennis Allen, the team announced Monday.

Assistant coach and special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi has been named interim head coach. Rizzi has been New Orleans’ special teams coordinator since 2021.

“This decision is something I think we need to make right now,” owner Gayle Benson said. in question in a statement. “I wish nothing but the best for Dennis and his family in the future. He will always be held in the highest regard by me and everyone in our organization.”

The move dropped the Saints to 2-7 on the season after a 23-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers. New Orleans has lost seven straight games after a 2-0 start.

Allen was hired to replace longtime head coach Sean Payton in 2022 after previously serving as Payton’s defensive coordinator from 2015-21. He compiled an 18-25 record in 43 games as Saints head coach.

“The organization will always be near and dear to my heart and I’m disappointed the results weren’t better,” Allen said. in question in a statement.

He added: “To Saints fans and New Orleans residents, I want to thank you for your unwavering passion and support of the team. I realize how privileged it is to coach a special team in a great city.”

This marks the second time Allen has been fired as head coach mid-season. He served as head coach of the Oakland Raiders from 2012-14 and was let go after an 0-4 start in his final season. Current Saints starter Derek Carr was also his quarterback in Oakland the year he was fired.

New Orleans has struggled to get consistent offensive production under Allen. The Saints are averaging 22 points per game while ranking 20th in EPA/play since 2022. They had four quarterbacks during Allen’s tenure: Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton, Carr and Spencer Rattler.

Carr, 33, signed a four-year, $150 million contract with $100 million guaranteed in 2023. Carr, who had an 11-12 record in 23 games with New Orleans, threw for 5,103 yards with 34 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Among 28 signal callers who have taken at least 500 snaps since 2023, Carr ranks 18th in EPA/play and success rate. Ben Baldwin’s database.

Allen is the third head coach general manager Mickey Loomis has hired since joining the club in 2002. New Orleans has been in constant salary cap trouble under Loomis, having to restructure contracts to become salary cap compliant before seasons start. The Saints currently have negative $61.5 million in cap space for 2025. Above the Cover.

With the trade deadline set for Tuesday, Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore is among the players teams are calling the Saints. ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

New Orleans will face the Atlanta Falcons in week 10.