Allen Out as Saints Head Coach After 2-7 Start
New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen has been relieved of his duties following a disappointing 2-7 start to the 2023 season, the team announced on Tuesday. The decision comes after a string of losses, including a humiliating 42-10 defeat to the Carolina Panthers this past Sunday.
A Disappointing Tenure
Allen, who had served as the Saints' defensive coordinator for the past five seasons, was promoted to head coach in January 2022 after Sean Payton's departure. His first year at the helm saw the Saints struggle to a 9-8 record, barely missing the playoffs.
The 2023 season, however, has been a complete disaster. The team's offense has sputtered under quarterback Derek Carr, and the defense, once Allen's calling card, has been inconsistent at best.
The Future of the Saints
The Saints are now in the midst of a major rebuild, with several key players nearing the end of their careers. The team will now embark on a search for a new head coach, with the hope of returning to contention in the near future.
Possible Candidates for the Head Coach Position:
With Allen out, the Saints are expected to look for a new head coach with a proven track record of success. Some of the names that have been floated around include:
- Sean Payton: While he's currently working as an analyst for Fox Sports, the former Saints head coach is a favorite to return to the team. His previous success in New Orleans makes him a highly desirable candidate.
- Eric Bieniemy: The former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator is another strong contender. His offensive prowess and reputation for developing young talent could be exactly what the Saints need.
- Jim Harbaugh: The current Michigan Wolverines head coach is a name that has been mentioned as a potential NFL candidate for years. His success in college and previous experience as an NFL head coach could make him an attractive option for the Saints.
A Turning Point for the Saints
Allen's departure marks a significant turning point for the Saints. The team will be looking to build a new identity under a new head coach, and it will be interesting to see what direction they choose to go in. With a talented roster and a committed fan base, the Saints have the potential to return to prominence in the NFL. However, the team will need to make some significant changes to achieve that goal.
Key takeaways:
- The Saints have fired head coach Dennis Allen after a 2-7 start to the 2023 season.
- The team is expected to look for a new head coach with a proven track record of success.
- Some potential candidates include Sean Payton, Eric Bieniemy, and Jim Harbaugh.
- The Saints are in the midst of a rebuild and will be looking to return to contention in the near future.
It remains to be seen who will be the next head coach of the Saints, but one thing is for sure: the team is entering a new era, and the future is full of possibilities.