Nick Saban Leads Candidates for New Orleans Saints Head Coach After Dennis Allen Firing, Per Sources

In a major development for the New Orleans Saints, the franchise has parted ways with head coach Dennis Allen following a challenging season that culminated in a 23-22 loss to the struggling Carolina Panthers. LandonBuford.com has been informed by a couple of league sources that Nick Saban, who has won seven national championships and coached at LSU and Alabama, is now in the running to fill the position. Allen departing is a significant move as the Saints, who are currently facing a seven-game losing streak, have appointed special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi as their interim head coach.

Allen’s time with the Saints, which included a 9-8 season in 2023, demonstrated potential. However, the team’s recent performance fell short of expectations, leaving Saints owner Gayle Benson with little choice but to make a change. Jay Glazer of FOX NFL Sunday reported that Allen expressed disappointment over the decision, but still expressed his continuous support and affection for the team and the New Orleans community. “Of course I’m disappointed but I love that organization, I love the people in there and will always have so much love for the city of New Orleans. I always will!” Allen shared in a statement to Glazer.

Saban is an enticing prospect because of his connection to Louisiana football and championship pedigree. While Saban has repeatedly stated his commitment to Alabama, his name is frequently floated whenever high-profile NFL openings arise. Saban’s leadership, which has won a national championship at LSU and six with Alabama, could be the catalyst New Orleans needs to revive its success.

The Saints, who were last in the playoffs in 2020 under Sean Payton as head coach, have been actively looking for ways to get back to winning form. Allen’s tenure was marked by flashes of defensive strength, but a string of close losses and inconsistencies on both sides of the ball proved costly.

The Saints will be led by Darren Rizzi as interim head coach as they aim to finish the season on a positive note. While Rizzi is respected for his work with the Saints’ special teams, the organization will likely conduct a thorough search for a permanent head coach, potentially exploring veteran NFL coaches as well as up-and-coming coordinators.

As New Orleans approaches a crucial point in its season, fans will be closely monitoring the coaching situation. The Saints are prepared to make a bold move in their quest to return to playoff contention, even if Saban makes the rare transition from college to NFL.