How Gayle Benson Uncovered the Truth That Led to the Saints Firing Dennis Allen

In a move Saints fans have been calling for, the New Orleans Saints have announced the firing of head coach Dennis Allen. Though the organization made the official announcement, a New Orleans Football report indicates that owner Gayle Benson was the driving force behind this decision, which came after hearing from players and finally reaching her breaking point with last Sunday’s crushing 23-22 loss to the last-place Carolina Panthers.

Benson’s decision didn’t happen overnight. Frustrations have reportedly been simmering within the team for quite some time, with players growing increasingly disillusioned with Allen’s leadership. According to inside sources, Benson took an unusual step recently, directly asking players for their honest opinions on Allen’s coaching style and the team's overall direction.

Their feedback painted a picture of a program in need of major changes. Players were vocal, sharing that they had lost faith in Allen and felt his methods were no longer resonating with the locker room. The atmosphere became one where players felt a lack of accountability and a disconnect in leadership—one that had gone on for too long without being addressed.

Allen’s tenure was supposed to keep the Saints’ culture intact after the departure of longtime head coach Sean Payton. But over three seasons, the cracks began to show. Many players believed Allen had a double standard, especially in his handling of starting quarterback Derek Carr, which led to resentment among the roster. At times, players even mocked Allen’s motivational phrases, feeling that his words had grown hollow. Saints fans may remember when this disconnect came to a head during a nationally televised game against the Jaguars when Carr’s frustration boiled over, resulting in a sideline blow-up with wide receiver Chris Olave. The incident wasn’t just a bad look; it became a symbol of the underlying tensions that had been brewing all season.

Benson saw enough after the Saints dropped a close game to the Panthers, a team at the literal bottom of the league standings. For Benson, it was clear: getting players back from injury and making tweaks weren’t fixing the deeper issues uncovered when she asked the team for feedback. The Saints needed a fresh start.

In the immediate term, special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi will take over as interim head coach, but fans and analysts alike are eyeing Aaron Glenn, the Lions’ defensive coordinator, as a top candidate for the role. Glenn, who was part of the Saints’ coaching staff under Payton, is highly regarded for his leadership and defensive insight. His familiarity with the Saints’ culture and his recent success with the Lions make him a compelling choice for fans who want a leader that can restore stability and drive.

This decision also puts the Saints’ roster under the microscope, with major choices to be made regarding the future of Carr and other core players. General Manager Mickey Loomis and the Saints’ leadership now face the task of rebuilding a team that has fallen short of the high standards set in previous years.

Loomis remains under scrutiny, as many fans blame him for allowing the Dennis Allen experiment to continue for too long. He has also faced criticism for poor decisions made during the offseason and for not being aggressive enough in addressing personnel and positional issues. These shortcomings have become evident in recent weeks, particularly with depth concerns and aging players underperforming in close losses.

If you're a fan and want to know why Allen left and what’s next for the team, be sure to check out Nick Underhill's in-depth piece on NewOrleans.Football. It really breaks down the Saints' ups and downs and where they’re headed now.