“En tant que propriétaire, la responsabilité commence par moi,” Gayle Benson said.
New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson placed herself alongside head coach Kellen Moore and general manager Mickey Loomis on the hot seat, delivering a blunt critique of the franchise’s 1-4 start during an appearance at the Greater New Orleans Quarterback Club, DAZN reported.
The stark assessment follows a 23-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at the Caesars Superdome, marking the team’s third defeat. Benson told members of the club that she refuses to make excuses or accept the current standard of play.
“I won’t make excuses and I won’t accept this level of performance as our standard,” Benson said. “I am committed to making the decisions necessary to improve this team.”
Pressure Mounts on Moore and Loomis After a Sluggish Start
While Benson stopped short of announcing immediate personnel changes during her remarks, she methodically assigned accountability across the entire football operation. Moore, who holds a 7-22 record since taking over as head coach, and Loomis, who oversees roster construction as general manager, now face mounting pressure as the Saints attempt to salvage their season.
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“Kellen Moore and his coaches are responsible for preparing our players to perform,” Benson said. “Mickey Loomis and our football staff are responsible for building a roster capable of sustaining success.”
The franchise has missed the NFL playoffs every year since 2020. Despite the difficult stretch, DAZN noted that the team’s early schedule presented steep challenges, pitting New Orleans against opponents that boast a combined 17-8 record through the opening weeks, with two losses decided by eight points or less. Quarterback Tyler Shough has flashed potential with strong performances, including a 410-yard outing in Detroit and four touchdown passes against Las Vegas, while the expected return of eighth overall draft pick Jordyn Tyson from a hamstring injury could provide an offensive boost.
Missed Milestones Heighten Frustration in New Orleans
The team’s spiral has hit hardest during commemorative franchise events. In Week 4, the Atlanta Falcons traveled to New Orleans for a prime-time matchup that coincided with the 20th anniversary of the team’s emotional return to the Superdome following Hurricane Katrina, resulting in a lopsided defeat.
Benson referenced the historic anniversary, recalling Steve Gleason’s famous blocked punt and the resilience of the city, before calling the loss to Atlanta “truly disappointing.”
The subsequent home loss to the Vikings unfolded on the afternoon Drew Brees was inducted into the franchise’s Ring of Honor. Benson noted that Brees established a culture rooted in rigorous preparation, discipline, and accountability.
“Perdants matchs est une chose, mais les perdre lors d’occasions aussi importantes a laissé un goût amer à toutes les personnes concernées,” Benson said, emphasizing that the losses during landmark celebrations failed to honor the standard set by club legends.
Looking Ahead to the Next Test Against the Giants
Benson made it clear that organizational patience is wearing thin as the schedule progresses, noting that public frustration from fans is entirely justified.
“I hear the frustration directed at our team and our organization. I’m not ignoring it,” Benson said. “Our fans invest their time and their hearts in the Saints. They are right to expect more than we have provided.”
The Saints will look to respond on the field this weekend when they face the New York Giants. Every moment of the 2026 NFL season is broadcast live via NFL Game Pass on DAZN, which offers comprehensive coverage including NFL RedZone, NFL Network, and Game in 40.
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