Darren Rizzi Named Interim Coach of Saints

The New Orleans Saints have fired head coach Dennis Allen following a disappointing 2-7 start to the season, marked by seven consecutive losses, including a recent defeat to the Carolina Panthers. Allen's tenure, which included a record of 18-25 and no playoff appearances, came to an end after he failed to turn around a struggling team that had started the season with Super Bowl aspirations. In his place, the Saints have appointed special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi as the interim head coach, a move seen as a way to provide continuity and a familiar presence for the players. Rizzi has been with the team since 2019 and has a history of coaching special teams effectively, which could help stabilize the team during this tumultuous period. The Saints will face the Atlanta Falcons next, marking Rizzi's first game in charge as they seek to salvage the remainder of the season.