The New Orleans Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi has received a clear message from Saints owner Gayle Benson about his departure from the team and promise him the position of..

In a significant leadership transition, the New Orleans Saints have appointed Kellen Moore as their new head coach, following the dismissal of Dennis Allen after a challenging season. This move has led to the departure of interim head coach Darren Rizzi, who had stepped in after Allen’s exit.

Darren Rizzi, who served as the Saints’ special teams coordinator since 2019, was elevated to interim head coach in November 2024 after the team endured a seven-game losing streak under Dennis Allen’s leadership. Rizzi’s tenure as interim coach was marked by efforts to instill accountability and implement changes aimed at revitalizing the team’s performance. He emphasized the need for a different approach, stating, “We want things to feel a little bit different… Just a different feel, different vibe.”

 

Despite Rizzi’s initiatives, the Saints concluded the season with a 5-12 record, prompting the organization’s leadership to seek a new direction. On February 11, 2025, the Saints officially announced the hiring of Kellen Moore as the 19th head coach in franchise history. Moore, at 35, becomes the youngest head coach in the NFL. He joins the Saints after serving as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played a pivotal role in their Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.

 

Saints owner Gayle Benson expressed confidence in Moore’s ability to rejuvenate the team’s culture and performance. In her statement, she also acknowledged Rizzi’s contributions, saying, “I would also like to thank Darren Rizzi for his service as interim coach and leading our team this past season. I am truly grateful to him.”

 

Following the appointment of Moore, Darren Rizzi has departed from the Saints. Reports indicate that he has accepted a position with the Dallas Cowboys as their special teams coordinator, marking a new chapter in his coaching career.

 

As the Saints transition under new leadership, the organization and its supporters reflect on Rizzi’s dedication and efforts during a tumultuous period. The team now looks forward to a new era with Kellen Moore at the helm, aiming to restore its competitive edge in the upcomin

g season.