After a tough Week 9 loss to the Carolina Panthers, the New Orleans Saints made bold changes, removing Dennis Allen as head coach and trading star cornerback Marshon Lattimore to the Washington Commanders. Stepping into the leadership role is Special Teams Coach Darren Rizzi, while GM Mickey Loomis put the brakes on speculation about a permanent head coach, focusing instead on salvaging the rest of the season.
In an interview with WWL Radio’s Mike Hoss, Loomis shared his outlook on the team’s immediate future and dismissed any rush to find a permanent head coach. “That’s not something that we’re gonna be real active with right now. There’s plenty of time for that when the season ends,” said Loomis. “Our focus has got to be on our team, our players, our coaches, and our staff. You learn more about who you have and the people you’re working with in adversity than you do when things are going well.”
For many Saints fans, this moment feels like one of the city’s biggest gut punches since Hurricane Katrina. Loomis even drew a comparison, underscoring how the team’s resilience through Katrina shaped crucial decisions moving forward. “As much as Katrina and that whole experience was difficult back in 2005, we learned a lot about the people that were with the Saints at that time,” Loomis recalled. “This is adversity, this is tough. It’s no fun losing games. You can’t just wallow in that.”
Loomis hinted at the intensity behind Rizzi’s first day as interim head coach, describing him as “pissed off” yet determined. “Rizzi did a great job,” Loomis explained. “We talked about what his message would be beforehand, and I thought it was well-received. There’s always emotion with a midseason coaching change. Hopefully, that emotion creates a positive bump.” Rizzi’s candid talk with the team highlighted some new tactics to jumpstart the back half of the season.
The Saints’ remaining schedule is no easy ride, with the Atlanta Falcons (6-3) up next. A home matchup against their bitter division rival will test whether the roster responds to the new direction. But for now, Loomis is clear: it’s fight or fall for New Orleans as they evaluate what this team is truly made of before tackling any offseason decisions.
