Dennis Allen Releases Statement Following Dismissal as Head Coach of New Orleans Saints

Following his dismissal as head coach of the New Orleans Saints, Dennis Allen released a heartfelt statement expressing gratitude to owner Gayle Benson, General Manager Mickey Loomis, the coaching staff, players, and the passionate New Orleans fanbase. His statement, released shortly after his firing, reflected on his time with the organization, acknowledging both the challenges faced and the deep appreciation he holds for his experience.

“I want to take this opportunity to first and foremost thank Gayle Benson for the opportunity to be the head coach of the New Orleans Saints,” Allen said. “The organization will always be near and dear to my heart, and I am disappointed the results weren’t better.”

In his statement, Allen recognized the support he received from Loomis and the entire Saints staff. He praised the dedication of his coaching team and expressed gratitude for their hard work, describing their shared journey as a rewarding experience. Allen, who joined the Saints in 2006 and was promoted to head coach in 2022, had a long-standing role in shaping the Saints’ defensive strategies and was pivotal during the team’s successful seasons under Sean Payton.

To the players, Allen extended sincere appreciation, acknowledging their resilience and commitment, even during this most recent challenging season. “I never questioned your dedication and resolve, and I am sorry the results weren’t better, because they were certainly deserved,” he remarked.

Allen even spoke to Saints fans, who have both praised him during the team's successes and called for his job during challenging times. “To the Saints fans and residents of New Orleans, I want to thank you for your unwavering passion and support for the team,” Allen said. “I recognize what a privilege it is to coach such a special franchise in a wonderful city, and I will always cherish the opportunity I had to coach the Saints.”

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The decision to part ways with Allen follows a season marked by inconsistencies and frustrations. Allen’s tenure as head coach ends with an 18-25 record over nearly three seasons, which saw both optimism and setbacks, including injuries and critical losses. The Saints will now transition under interim head coach Darren Rizzi as the organization begins the search for a new leader.