How big a part did fans pay in Saints' coaching change?
When New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson, not Mickey Loomis, made the decision to fire Dennis Allen, she listened to the fan base, literally.
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer said, "Benson and her group was hearing from the fan base in a way they hadn’t before." The fan base wasn't the reason Allen was relieved of his duties, but their vocal opposition to him remaining as coach played a part. Breer reported Benson's "resolve was strengthened through that."
Saints fans have been frustrated with Allen for a while. Many fans hoped for his termination at the end of last season. Allen was .500 as the Saints head coach coming into 2024, but with context it wasn't impressive. The inability to take advantage of a weak schedule or defeat quality teams over two years had taken its toll.
Things improved to start the season. The addition of Klint Kubiak had the Saints looking like a high flying offense and one of the best teams in the NFL. That may have made the seven game losing skid hurt even more because those first two weeks were essentially false hope.
Being embarrassed at home in back to back weeks against the Buccaneers and Broncos only incited fans more. The chants for change weren't always vocal, but the volume was louder than ever. Loud enough to reach ownership.
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This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: How big a part did fans pay in Saints' coaching change?
