Saints Interim HC Darren Rizzi to Evaluate ‘Everybody and Everything’ amid Allen Exit

In the wake of Dennis Allen’s firing, New Orleans Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi finds himself at the helm of a team struggling to find its identity and momentum. Rizzi, who has served as the Saints’ special teams coordinator since 2019, was thrust into the role following a disappointing 23-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers, which dropped the Saints to a 2-7 record on the season. With the firing of Allen, a decision that followed a seven-game losing streak, Rizzi’s first task as interim head coach is to reshape a team that has failed to meet expectations, especially considering the talent on the roster.

In his first press conference since taking over, Rizzi made it clear that no stone would be left unturned in his approach to turning the team around. “Everybody and everything’s gonna get reevaluated,” he said. The tone of his message was unequivocal, indicating a sense of urgency and a desire for change within the organization. Rizzi’s words served as both a rallying cry and a warning to players and staff alike: the status quo was no longer acceptable, and a thorough reassessment of the team’s operations, from player performance to scheduling, would be underway.

Rizzi’s approach to the team’s reassessment is an indication of his no-nonsense attitude and his understanding of the gravity of the situation. After nearly two months of disappointing play, the Saints’ management felt that a change was necessary. The firing of Dennis Allen, a former defensive coordinator who was promoted to head coach just a year ago, came after the team’s third consecutive loss to the Panthers, which highlighted the Saints’ inability to execute consistently on both sides of the ball. With the team struggling, particularly on offense, Rizzi’s challenge is to find a way to get the team back on track, both tactically and emotionally.

One of the key points Rizzi made was that he had no plans to make a change at quarterback. Despite the Saints’ offensive woes, Derek Carr remains the team’s starting quarterback. Carr, who was signed to a four-year deal in the offseason, has had an uneven start to his tenure in New Orleans. Through the first nine games of the season, Carr has posted a 67.9% completion rate, amassing 1,225 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and four interceptions. While those numbers aren’t terrible, they don’t reflect the explosive offense the Saints were hoping to build when they signed Carr, and they certainly don’t match the kind of production expected from a quarterback of his pedigree.

However, Rizzi made it clear that the focus would not be on finding a new quarterback, at least not for the time being. “Derek Carr is our quarterback,” he stated. “That’s not changing.” This decision to stick with Carr may come as a relief to the veteran quarterback, who has faced some scrutiny for his performance this season. But Rizzi’s support also suggests that he sees Carr as a crucial piece of the puzzle for the team moving forward. The problem for Carr, however, is that he is playing in a system that has not been able to consistently move the ball or put points on the board. Rizzi’s task will be to build a stronger, more cohesive offense around Carr while also evaluating how the players around him are performing.

Despite his clear backing of Carr, Rizzi also stressed that “everything” would be under review, including the coaching staff’s approach to the game. He hinted at potential changes to the team’s structure, with adjustments to everything from the daily schedule to the way players prepare and approach their duties. Rizzi mentioned that the product on the field “is not acceptable,” which echoes the frustration many Saints fans and analysts have expressed about the team’s underperformance this season.

As the special teams coordinator, Rizzi has undoubtedly seen the Saints’ struggles up close, particularly in terms of energy and passion. He was adamant that the team needed to bring more of both to their upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons. “We need a team full of passion and full of fighters,” Rizzi emphasized, underscoring the importance of mental toughness as the team looks to regroup. It’s clear that Rizzi recognizes the need for a cultural shift within the locker room. He will be demanding a higher level of intensity, both in practice and in games, from every player on the roster. The Saints’ loss to the Panthers marked their eighth defeat of the season, and Rizzi believes that no one on the team should be content with the state of affairs. “No one should be happy with where we are right now,” Rizzi said. “We need to get back to work and make sure we’re doing everything we can to turn this around.”

The Saints’ offensive struggles have been well-documented throughout the season, with many pointing to the lack of a consistent run game, limited explosiveness in the passing game, and overall poor execution. Rizzi’s challenge will be to find ways to get the offense on track while maintaining the defensive identity that the team has built over the past few years. While the defense, led by defensive coordinator Dennis Allen during his tenure, has played admirably at times, they too have been hurt by the lack of offensive production. With the defense often forced to stay on the field longer than they should, it has become a vicious cycle that has contributed to the team’s losses.

The first task in this effort will be to change the dynamics of the offense and how they prepare each week. Adjustments could come in the form of more creative play-calling or changing how the offense approaches specific game situations. Rizzi hinted that the schedule and preparation methods would be evaluated in the coming days, signaling that a more aggressive and organized approach could be in the cards for the Saints moving forward.

The Saints will face off against the 6-3 Atlanta Falcons this Sunday at home, a team that has been somewhat of a surprise this season. While the Falcons have exceeded expectations, their own offense has been inconsistent, which could present an opportunity for the Saints to exploit. Rizzi will need his team to rally and show improvement, as a win in this divisional matchup could provide a much-needed boost for both the players and the fanbase. It’s crucial for Rizzi to get the Saints back to playing competitive football, and a victory against Atlanta could help to stem the tide of negativity surrounding the franchise.

As interim head coach, Rizzi will also be evaluated, and his ability to rally the team and produce results in the second half of the season will be key in determining whether he remains a part of the Saints’ future. While his immediate goal is to address the team’s problems and restore discipline and passion, Rizzi will also need to demonstrate that he can make the right decisions from a tactical standpoint. The Saints are a team that still has talent across the roster, from Carr to standout defenders like Cameron Jordan and Marshon Lattimore. The potential for a turnaround is there, but it will require Rizzi to inspire and guide his players toward accountability and improvement.

Rizzi’s message to the team was clear: there are no sacred cows. Every player, every coach, and every aspect of the Saints’ operations will be reexamined. Whether it’s Carr’s performance, the offensive line’s inability to protect the quarterback, or the team’s special teams unit, everything will be put under a microscope. This type of “evaluation” mindset can often serve as a reset button for a team in crisis, as players and staff alike understand that no one’s job is safe if the results don’t improve. Rizzi’s leadership will be tested, but the results of this trial period will go a long way in shaping the future of the franchise.

The road ahead for the Saints is tough, but Darren Rizzi’s aggressive stance and determination to “reevaluate everything” offer a glimmer of hope for a franchise desperate for a resurgence. The coming weeks will provide more insight into whether the interim head coach can spark a turnaround or whether the team’s struggles will continue. For now, Rizzi has the team’s full attention, and it’s clear that the time for change is now.