The New Orleans Saints have announced the termination of their long-standing General Manager, Mickey Loomis, earlier today. This decision, made by team owner Gayle Benson.
Mickey Loomis joined the Saints organization in 2000 and ascended to the role of General Manager in 2002. Over the years, he was instrumental in orchestrating key decisions that led to the Saints’ first Super Bowl victory in the 2009 season. His strategic acumen and leadership were widely recognized, earning him the NFL Executive of the Year award in 2006.
However, Loomis’s tenure was not without controversy. In 2012, the NFL uncovered a bounty program within the Saints organization, leading to significant penalties. Loomis was suspended for the first eight games of the 2012 season due to his failure to halt the program, despite being directed to do so by team owner Tom Benson.
More recently, the Saints have faced challenges on the field, culminating in a disappointing 5-12 record in the 2024 season—their worst since 2005. This downturn led to the dismissal of head coach Dennis Allen in November 2024, a decision that Loomis publicly addressed, attributing the move to “pressure and stress” from the team’s performance and injury challenges
In the wake of Allen’s departure, scrutiny intensified around Loomis’s role in the team’s recent struggles. Despite the challenges, Loomis remained steadfast in his commitment to the organization. In January 2025, he stated, “I have a passion for the sport. I have a passion for the Saints, a passion for all of it. I feel like I’ve got all my faculties.” He emphasized his focus on returning the team to its winning ways, dismissing any notions of stepping down.
The decision to part ways with Loomis signals a significant shift in the Saints’ organizational strategy. Owner Gayle Benson expressed gratitude for Loomis’s contributions over the years, acknowledging his role in the franchise’s historic achievements. However, she emphasized the need for new leadership to navigate the evolving challenges of the NFL landscape and to reinvigorate the team’s competitive edge.
