Saints owner: Firing GM Loomis would be 'ridiculous'

Despite New Orleans' 2-8 record this season, Saints owner Gayle Benson said she's "pleased" with general manager Mickey Loomis' work and that he isn't going anywhere.

"It may not be what the fans want to hear, but as far as firing Mickey Loomis, that's ridiculous. (Loomis) does a great job," Benson told Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com on Thursday.

Benson added: "You don't think Mickey Loomis is losing sleep at night over all of this? He is. It's hard. It's not an easy job. It's not like he's sitting on his butt, not worrying about things."

Hired to the position by New Orleans in 2002, Loomis is the longest tenured general manager in the league, excluding Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. The Saints also named him their executive vice president in 2013.

Loomis secured nine playoff appearances from 2006 to 2020, including a Super Bowl victory in 2009. However, it's been tough sledding in recent years, as New Orleans is set to miss the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. The Saints hold a 32-46 record in their last 78 games and have struggled in the post-Drew Brees and Sean Payton era of the franchise.

"Mickey is one of the longest tenured and most respected general managers in the NFL," Benson said. "In 2006, he was the lone voice in our building to hire Sean Payton. When I am asked to hold Mickey Loomis accountable, I do. Not every decision works out; they never do.

"I hold him in high esteem, and I am very pleased with what he has accomplished, acquired, and is building."

New Orleans hired former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore as its head coach in January. However, he hasn't had a reliable quarterback to work with, and the offensive production has reflected that. Heading into Week 11, the Saints' offense ranks 29th in EPA/dropback and 30th in points per contest.

Tyler Shough, whom New Orleans drafted in the second round this year, is now the starting signal-caller after Moore benched Spencer Rattler in Week 9. Shough earned his first career win versus the Carolina Panthers last weekend, completing 19 of 27 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns.

If the season ended today, the Saints would get the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. They currently have minus-$16.1 million in cap space for next offseason, the third-lowest amount in the league, according to Spotrac.

New Orleans is on its bye and will face the Atlanta Falcons on Nov. 23.