One way to jeopardize a prized NFL coaching role? Lose to the struggling Carolina Panthers just two months after a dominant 47-10 victory in a season opener filled with high hopes.

This was the fate of former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen, who was let go on Monday morning—less than a day after a 23-22 loss in Charlotte extended the Saints’ losing streak to seven games. This came as a shock considering they had a strong start at 2-0, outscoring their opponents, the Panthers and Dallas Cowboys, by an impressive 91-29. Having lost both of his NFL head coaching jobs in his third year, Allen was dismissed ten years after being released by the Oakland Raiders following a rocky 0-4 start in the 2014 season. Previously serving as their defensive coordinator, Allen’s 15-year tenure with the Saints ends with an 18-25 record as head coach, bringing his overall tally to 26-53 without ever leading a team to the playoffs. Owner Gayle Benson praised his loyalty and professionalism but decided it was time for a change.

However, much like his previous head coaching experience in Oakland, Allen’s position comes with significant hurdles. Let’s examine how appealing the Saints coaching role really is:

The Quarterback Dilemma

Derek Carr, who joined the Saints last year, has largely mirrored his time with the Raiders—solid but not particularly exciting. In 23 starts for New Orleans, he holds an 11-12 record, throwing for 34 touchdowns against 12 interceptions, and achieving a 98.0 quarterback rating—about six points higher than during his time in Las Vegas. Nevertheless, he averages just under 222 passing yards per game in New Orleans, which is a drop of 26.1 yards compared to his Raiders’ record.

This is a respectable performance, especially considering Carr has dealt with inconsistent protection and frequent injuries among his wide receivers. Yet, it falls short of expectations for a franchise that signed him to a hefty four-year, $150 million contract in hopes of re-establishing itself as a force in the NFC South after an uninspiring period following Drew Brees’ retirement in 2020. Instead, the team finds itself stagnating with little hope of making the playoffs for the first time since Brees and his teammates were knocked out four years ago by Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on their path to winning Super Bowl 55.

Young quarterbacks, Spencer Rattler, 24, and Jake Haener, 25, have faced challenges after stepping in during Carr’s three-game absence due to an oblique injury. Rattler, who showed promise in high school and during his college years at Oklahoma and South Carolina, was the first quarterback selected outside the first round this year (Round 5). However, he has not had the luxury of playing with a fully healthy team due to ongoing injuries.

With a record of 2-7, the Saints are set to hold a top-five draft pick in the upcoming draft. If the team decides to release Carr in 2025, they could face a $50 million dead cap hit, but it would save them from paying his escalating base salary, which rises from $1.2 million in 2024 to $30 million next year and $50 million in 2026. It’s reasonable to assume that a new head coach, particularly one focused on offense, might prefer to move in a different direction rather than keep Carr in a role that seems temporary.

Team Composition

The roster features several high-profile players like linebacker Demario Davis, defensive end Cam Jordan, running back Alvin Kamara, cornerback Marshon Lattimore, and defensive back Tyrann Mathieu. However, apart from Kamara, who recently signed a two-year contract extension, most of these veterans are showing signs of decline. General Manager Mickey Loomis acknowledged that Allen faced challenges due to a wave of injuries impacting the team.

The future foundation may largely include younger players such as defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, left tackle Taliese Fuaga, defensive end Carl Granderson, center Erik McCoy, cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, wide receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, guard Cesar Ruiz, defensive back Alontae Taylor, and linebacker Pete Werner. While this group doesn’t seem like an emerging powerhouse, it’s also not completely devoid of talent.

Salary Cap Challenges

No team has accrued NFL salary cap debt quite like the Saints, which could be a critical factor for any prospective coach working with Loomis, who is currently the longest-serving GM in the NFL, now in his 23rd year with this small-market franchise. Under Loomis’s management, the Saints often distribute cap hits over several years by adding void years to player contracts. Presently, the team is over the salary cap by more than $60 million for 2025, the highest figure in the league, and this calculation does not even include the potential consequences of releasing Carr. The team frequently engages in significant restructures and/or player releases every March to comply with the salary cap. However, this practice can limit the Saints’ flexibility when free agency kicks off. Earlier this year, the only substantial free agency addition was defensive end Chase Young, who signed a one-year, $13 million deal. Given current trends, it seems unlikely that New Orleans will be a desirable destination for veterans in 2025.

2025 Draft Outlook

The team is currently among nine others that have secured two victories this season. This positioning puts them firmly in contention for the top pick in next year’s draft, allowing them early selections in each of the first five rounds—assuming they maintain ownership of their picks. They are likely to acquire a promising group of players, although it seems this year’s draft doesn’t have a particularly strong pool of quarterbacks.

Future Prospects

In the context of the 32 available coaching positions, potential candidates for the Saints are not likely to overlook this opportunity. There are appealing factors, and the front office and ownership appear stable enough at this moment. The new head coach will have the chance to grow and improve the team. Any coach looking for their next role may also prefer a strong connection between the team and the city, which is evident in New Orleans. The passionate fan base has only strengthened its ties to the team, especially following the events of Hurricane Katrina. While this position may not be the most sought-after in 2025, it certainly won’t be the least appealing.

***