Editing New Orleans Saints (section)

=== Benson era (1985–present) ===

==== Jim E. Mora years (1986–1996) ====
[[Tom Benson]], a successful automobile dealership owner and banker, acquired the franchise in 1985, and hired [[Jim Finks]] as general manager and [[Jim E. Mora|Jim Mora]] as head coach. That combination provided the Saints with their first-ever winning record and playoff appearance, going [[1987 New Orleans Saints season|12–3]] in [[1987 NFL season|1987]], which had one fewer game than normal due to a [[1987 NFL strike|players' strike]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=1987 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/1987.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Another playoff berth would follow during the [[1990 NFL season|1990 season]], and the club's first division title came in [[1991 NFL season|1991]]. During Mora's tenure, the Saints made the playoffs four times, with teams marked by strong defenses led by the "[[Dome Patrol]]" linebacking corps, but they were never able to win a playoff game. Mora coached the Saints until the middle of the [[1996 NFL season|1996 season]], when he stepped down halfway through the [[1996 New Orleans Saints season|3–13 season]]. His 93 wins were three more than the Saints won in their entire history prior to his arrival, and would remain the most for any Saints coach until 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jim Mora Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/MoraJi0.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

==== Mike Ditka years (1997–1999) ====
After the end of the 1996 season, ironically as Diliberto had suggested before Mora's resignation, former [[Chicago Bears]] coach [[Mike Ditka]] was hired to replace Mora.<ref name="q079">{{cite web | last=Trahan | first=Ken | title=New Orleans Saints Coaching History—Mike Ditka (1997-99) | website=Crescent City Sports | date=2020-04-19 | url=https://crescentcitysports.com/new-orleans-saints-coaching-history-mike-ditka-1997-99/ | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> Although this initially generated a lot of excitement among Saints fans, Ditka's tenure ended up being a failure. The Saints went 6–10 in their first two seasons under Ditka ([[1997 NFL season|1997]] and [[1998 NFL season|1998]]). During the [[1999 NFL draft]], Ditka traded all of his picks for that season, as well as the first-round and third-round picks for the following season, to the [[Washington Redskins]] in order to draft [[Texas Longhorns football|University of Texas]] [[Heisman Trophy]] running back [[Ricky Williams]] in the first round. Ditka and Williams had a mock wedding picture taken to commemorate the occasion. However, Ditka, most of his coaching staff, and general manager [[Bill Kuharich]] were fired at the end of the [[1999 NFL season|1999 season]] due to the club's [[1999 New Orleans Saints season|3–13 record]].<ref name="u968">{{cite web | title=Ditka, Kuharich fired by Saints | website=ESPN.com | date=1997-01-28 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/2000/0103/266669.html | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>

==== Jim Haslett years (2000–2005) ====
[[Jim Haslett]] held the post from 2000 to 2005. In his first year, he took the team to the 2000 [[1999–2000 NFL playoffs|playoffs]] with a 10–6 mark and defeated the defending Super Bowl champion [[2000 St. Louis Rams season|St. Louis Rams]] for the team's first-ever playoff win.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2000 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2000.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - St. Louis Rams at New Orleans Saints - December 30th, 2000 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200012300nor.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The team lost the following week to the [[2000 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings - January 6th, 2001 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200101060min.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> After winning the 2000 NFL Executive of the Year Award, General Manager [[Randy Mueller]] was fired between the 2001 and 2002 seasons without explanation by Benson. The Saints failed to make the playoffs in 2001 and 2002, although in the latter year they had the distinction of beating the eventual [[Super Bowl XXXVII]] champion [[2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] in both of their regular-season meetings, only the second team to do so in NFL history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2001 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2001.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2002.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

In [[2003 NFL season|2003]], the Saints again missed the [[2003–04 NFL playoffs|playoffs]] after finishing 8–8.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2003 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2003.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The [[2004 NFL season|2004 season]] started poorly for the [[2004 New Orleans Saints season|Saints]], as they went 2–4 through their first six games and 4–8 through their first twelve games. At that point Haslett's job appeared to be in jeopardy; however, he managed to win the three straight games leading up to the season finale, leaving the Saints in playoff contention in the final week of the season. In week 17, the Saints defeated division rivals [[2004 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina]]; however, the Saints needed other results to break their way and when the [[2004 St. Louis Rams season|St. Louis Rams]] beat the [[2004 New York Jets season|New York Jets]] the Saints were eliminated despite having beaten the Rams, who finished with the same record. The Rams, Saints, and [[2004 Minnesota Vikings season|Vikings]] all were 8–8, with the Rams having a 7–5 conference record, Saints 6–6, and the Vikings 5–7. The Rams received the number 1 wild-card due to having the best conference record out of the three, followed by the Vikings due to the 38–31 loss handed to the Saints in Week 6. Haslett was fired after the [[2005 NFL season|2005 season]], in which the [[2005 New Orleans Saints season|Saints]] finished 3–13 and did not play any regular-season games in New Orleans due to [[Hurricane Katrina]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-01-02 |title=Haslett won't return as Saints head coach |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2278052 |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref><ref name="t903">{{cite web | last=Stecker | first=Shannon | title=This week in history: The New Orleans Saints return to the Superdome | website=Verite News | date=2023-09-25 | url=https://veritenews.org/2023/09/25/this-week-in-history-the-new-orleans-saints-return-to-the-superdome/#:~:text=Then%20came%20the%20devastation%20that,was%20against%20a%20planned%20move. | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>

===== Effect of Hurricane Katrina =====
{{main|Effect of Hurricane Katrina on the New Orleans Saints}}
[[File:New Orleans Saints at Tiger Stadium.jpg|thumb|Tiger Stadium was one of the venues that hosted the Saints in 2005.]]
Due to the damage Hurricane Katrina caused to the Superdome and the New Orleans area, the Saints' scheduled [[2005 NFL season|2005]] home opener against the [[2005 New York Giants season|New York Giants]] was moved to [[Giants Stadium]]. The remainder of their 2005 home games were split between the [[Alamodome]] in [[San Antonio|San Antonio, Texas]], and [[LSU Tigers football|LSU]]'s [[Tiger Stadium (LSU)|Tiger Stadium]] in [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana|Baton Rouge]].

==== Sean Payton years (2006–2021) ====
On January 17, 2006, the Saints hired [[Sean Payton]] as their new head coach and, on March 14, signed former [[San Diego Chargers]] quarterback [[Drew Brees]] to a six-year, $60 million deal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-01-17 |title=Sources: Saints hire Cowboys' Payton as head coach |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2295741 |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Clayton |first1=John |title=Brees agrees to six-year deal with Saints |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2368304 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=September 18, 2018 |date=March 14, 2006 |archive-date=June 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626111008/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2368304 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On March 23, the Saints announced that the team's two 2006 preseason games were to be played at [[Shreveport, Louisiana]], and [[Jackson, Mississippi]]. After a $185 million renovation of the historic stadium, on April 6 the Saints released their 2006 schedule, with all home games scheduled to be played at the Superdome. On September 19, Saints owner [[Tom Benson]] announced that the team had sold out the [[Louisiana Superdome]] for the entire season with season tickets alone (68,354 seats), a first in franchise history.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/23/AR2006092301102.html|title=The Saints Bring Hope to the Faithful|last=Carpenter|first=Les|date=September 24, 2006|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=February 24, 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=February 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224133214/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/23/AR2006092301102.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The September 25, home opener, the first home game in [[New Orleans]] after [[Hurricane Katrina]], was won by the Saints 23–3 against the [[2006 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]], who were undefeated in the 2006 season at that time. The attendance for the game was a sellout crowd of 70,003. Meanwhile, the broadcast of the game was [[ESPN]]'s highest-ever rated program to date, with an 11.8 rating, and viewership by 10.85 million homes. It was the most-watched program for the night, broadcast or cable, and was the second-highest rated cable program of all time at the time. [[Green Day]] and [[U2]] performed "[[Wake Me Up When September Ends]]" and "[[The Saints Are Coming]]", respectively, before the game. The game received a 2007 [[ESPY]] award for "[[Best Moment ESPY Award|Best Moment in Sports]]." The game is remembered by Saints fans for [[Steve Gleason]]'s blocked punt on the opening series that resulted in a touchdown for New Orleans.<ref name="j084">{{cite web | last=Dabe | first=Christopher | title=The story behind Steve Gleason's blocked punt, as told by its key players | website=NOLA.com | date=2016-09-23 | url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/the-story-behind-steve-gleasons-blocked-punt-as-told-by-its-key-players/article_bccc2dfd-5aca-5504-8f5e-917783036ea1.html | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>

On December 17, the Saints clinched their third division title and their first [[NFC South]] title in franchise history. For the first time in Saints' history, they clinched their [[NFC South]] title on their home field. Sean Payton became the second consecutive Saints coach to win a division title in his first season. After the [[2006 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]] beat the [[2006 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]] 23–7 on Christmas Day 2006, the Saints clinched a first-round playoff bye for the first time in franchise history, finishing the regular season with a record of 10–6.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2006 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2006.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>[[File:Sean Payton 07feb10.jpg|thumb|200px|Sean Payton was the head coach of the team from 2006 to 2021.]]

After the first-round bye, the Saints beat the [[2006 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]] 27–24 in the Superdome in the 2006 Divisional Playoffs. No team had ever had such a poor record in the prior year (3–13) and then gone on to a league or conference championship game since the [[1999 St. Louis Rams season|1999 St. Louis Rams]] who advanced to win their first [[Super Bowl XXXIV|Super Bowl]] after being 4–12 the season before. Since the Saints' only previous playoff win was in the wild card round, this was the farthest the Saints had ever advanced at the time. The victory was only the second playoff win in team history. The season ended on January 21, 2007, when the Saints lost a 39–14 blowout to the [[2006 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]] in the [[NFC Championship Game|NFC Championship game]].<ref name="c870">{{cite web | last=Wilner | first=Barry | title=Chicago throttles New Orleans 39-14, silences doubters | website=Statesboro Herald | date=January 21, 2007 | url=https://www.statesboroherald.com/sports/chicago-throttles-new-orleans-39-14-silences-doubters/ | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>

The Saints announced that for the second year in a row, the Louisiana Superdome had sold out every ticket for the season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://saintsdoggle.blogspot.com/2007/03/t-p-saints-sell-out-suites-for-2007.html |title=saintsdoggle: UPDATE: Saints sell out suites for 2007 season; Season ticket wait list 25,000 deep; San Antonio finally giving up? |publisher=Saintsdoggle.blogspot.com |date=March 15, 2007 |access-date=February 7, 2010 |archive-date=July 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708062232/http://saintsdoggle.blogspot.com/2007/03/t-p-saints-sell-out-suites-for-2007.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The first game of the season was against the defending [[Super Bowl XLI]] champion [[2007 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]]. The Saints lost this game, 41–10, and lost their next three games. In one of these three games, against the [[2007 Tennessee Titans season|Tennessee Titans]], the Saints lost running back [[Deuce McAllister]] for the season with his second career (second time in three seasons) [[Anterior cruciate ligament|ACL]] tear. After winning their first game, against the [[2007 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]], two weeks later, the team went on a four-game winning streak to bring their record to an even 4–4. After reaching 7–7, the Saints lost their final two games to finish 7–9.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2007.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

Following a disappointing 7–9 record in the 2007 season, the Saints ended the 2008 season 8–8. Failing to qualify for the post-season for the second straight year, the Saints found themselves struggling on defense. However, the Saints would match the explosive offense they had in the 2006 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2008 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2008.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Drew Brees ended the 2008 season just 16 yards short of beating [[Dan Marino]]'s single-season record of 5084 total passing yards, and receiver [[Lance Moore]] came 72 yards short of his first 1,000-yard season.<ref name="g894">{{cite web | last=Holder | first=Larry | title=Brees falls 16 yards short of Marino | website=Monterey Herald | date=2008-12-29 | url=https://www.montereyherald.com/2008/12/29/brees-falls-16-yards-short-of-marino/ | access-date=2024-08-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Lance Moore Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoorLa00.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

===== Super Bowl XLIV champions (2009) =====
{{Main|2009 New Orleans Saints season}}
[[File:Brees london 2008.jpg|thumb|right|230px|Quarterback [[Drew Brees]] was named MVP in [[Super Bowl XLIV]].]]
The 2009 season was the team's most successful season, which culminated in the franchise's first league championship win against the [[2009 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]] in [[Super Bowl XLIV]]. After achieving a record of 13–0 with their win over the [[2009 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]], it marked the Saints' best start to a season in its franchise history. The result clinched an NFC [[2009–10 NFL playoffs|playoff]] berth and a bye in the first round of the playoffs. By winning their first 13 games, the Saints also set the record for the longest undefeated season opening (13–0) by an NFC team since the [[AFL–NFL merger]], surpassing the previous record (12–0) held by the [[1985 Chicago Bears season|1985 Chicago Bears]]. However, they would fall victim to the [[Dallas Cowboys]] in week 14, going on to end the season with a three-game losing streak. The Saints became the first team to win a Super Bowl after losing its last three regular-season games.

Although its opponents would include winners of 9 of the last 15 NFL MVP awards, the team advanced to the 2009 NFC Championship game where they defeated the Minnesota Vikings, led by [[Brett Favre]], 31–28 in overtime, advancing to their first [[Super Bowl]] appearance in franchise history.<ref name="j357">{{cite web | last=Plaschke | first=Bill | title=Brett Favre lets Saints march on to Super Bowl | website=Los Angeles Times | date=2010-01-25 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-jan-25-la-sp-plaschke25-2010jan25-story.html | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> Television ratings for Super Bowl XLIV (44) were the second highest for any TV program, sports or otherwise, in history,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/newswire/2011/super-bowl-xlv-most-viewed-telecast-in-broadcast-history.html |title=Most Viewed Telecast |publisher=Nielson |date=February 7, 2011 |access-date=August 8, 2013 |archive-date=September 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929130615/http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/newswire/2011/super-bowl-xlv-most-viewed-telecast-in-broadcast-history.html |url-status=live }}</ref> as their successful bid to win the Super Bowl was seen by many to represent the city's resurgence after the devastating Hurricane Katrina.<ref>{{Cite web|title=How New Orleans got its groove back - CNN.com|url=https://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/03/24/new.orleans.rising/index.html|access-date=October 25, 2021|website=www.cnn.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Fanta|first=John|date=August 29, 2015|title=Saints came marching in: How football helped Katrina revival|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/08/28/saints-came-marching-in-how-football-helped-katrina-revival.html|access-date=October 25, 2021|website=CNBC|language=en}}</ref>

The Saints' 2010 season began in the Superdome as the defending Super Bowl champions defeated the [[Minnesota Vikings]] 14–9, in a rematch of the 2009 NFC Championship Game. It was played on Thursday, September 9, 2010, and televised on NBC, making it the first time the Saints have opened the NFL's season at home. On Sunday, August 8, 2010, NBC announced the televised opening festivities of the evening would begin with [[Taylor Swift]] and [[Dave Matthews Band]]. On December 27, 2010, with a 17–14 win against the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta, the Saints clinched a playoff appearance (wild card). This marked the first time a team in the NFC South had made back-to-back playoff appearances since the division was formed in 2002. The Saints would face the Seattle Seahawks for the wild-card opener at Qwest Field. The Seahawks were the first NFL team to capture their division with a sub-.500 regular-season record (7–9). Drew Brees completed a postseason-record 39 passes for 404 yards and two touchdowns. Despite throwing 60 passes and hindered by a lack of depth at running back, last year's Super Bowl MVP was not intercepted and rallied the Saints within 34–30 in the fourth quarter. In the end, his efforts were negated by a defense that could not get enough stops and a late touchdown run by [[Marshawn Lynch]] breaking over a half-dozen tackles with 3:22 left which helped the Seahawks defeat the Saints 41–36.<ref name="k563">{{cite web | last=Booth | first=Tim | title=Saints dethroned as Seahawks become first team with losing record to win playoff game | website=Florida Times-Union | date=2011-01-09 | url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/nfl/2011/01/09/saints-dethroned-seahawks-become-first-team-losing-record-win/15918972007/ | access-date=2024-08-07}}</ref>

The Saints began their season with a loss against the [[Green Bay Packers]], but the team rebounded for the next four weeks to bring their record to 4–1. A loss to the [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] brought the record to 4–2, but the team bounced back with a 62–7 blowout win against the struggling [[Indianapolis Colts]].<ref name="b215">{{cite web | last=Martel | first=Brett | title=Saints set points record, beat Colts 62-7 | website=Houma Today | date=2011-10-24 | url=https://www.houmatoday.com/story/news/2011/10/24/saints-set-points-record-beat-colts-62-7/26993704007/ | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> A surprise loss to the [[St. Louis Rams]] resulted in the record dropping to 5–3. In the next seven weeks the Saints beat talented teams such as the eventual [[Super Bowl XLVI]] champion [[New York Giants]], [[Detroit Lions]], and [[Atlanta Falcons]], bringing their season record to 12–3. To cap off the season, quarterback [[Drew Brees]] broke the single-season passing record held for over 25 years, on the way to a Saints division-winning game. The Saints won the [[NFC South]] title on December 26 and ended the 2011 season as the third seed in the NFC. They finished with a 13–3 record, beating Carolina 45–17 and also giving running back Darren Sproles the record for most all-purpose yards in a single season. The team broke numerous records that year including most yards in a season, completion percentage, yards passing, completions and more. The New Orleans Saints beat the Detroit Lions in the 2011 NFC wild-card playoff game 45–28.<ref name="s352">{{cite web | last=Martel | first=Brett | title=Saints open playoffs with 45-28 win over Lions | website=Florida Times-Union | date=2012-01-08 | url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/nfl/2012/01/08/saints-open-playoffs-45-28-win-over-lions/15879273007/ | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> New Orleans also tied the NFL's postseason mark for team first downs in a game (34), and broke the record for total yards with 626, eclipsing the yardage record set 49 years ago. The Saints lost in the Divisional round in the playoffs against the San Francisco 49ers in [[Candlestick Park]] that featured the Saints losing two leads in the last four minutes of regulation.<ref name="d699">{{cite web | last=Chadiha | first=Jeffri | title=49ers' toughness shines through | website=ESPN.com | date=2012-01-14 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs/2011/story/_/id/7462866/san-francisco-49ers-tough-come-nfl-playoffs | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref>

After an off-season dominated by the [[New Orleans Saints bounty scandal|bounty scandal]] and the year-long suspension of head coach [[Sean Payton]], the Saints sought to refocus on football and produce yet another winning year.<ref name="m086">{{cite web | last=Zinser | first=Lynn | title=Bountygate: A Circular, Confusing History | website=The Fifth Down | date=2012-10-10 | url=https://archive.nytimes.com/fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/10/bountygate-a-circular-confusing-history/ | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref><ref name="d821">{{cite web | last=Fendrich | first=Howard | title=Saints coach Sean Payton suspended for season over bounties | website=Florida Times-Union | date=2012-03-22 | url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/nfl/2012/03/22/saints-coach-sean-payton-suspended-season-over-bounties/15872159007/ | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> Instead, the team, led by offensive line coach [[Aaron Kromer]] for its first six games, started the season with four straight losses and a last-place spot in the NFC South.<ref name="z122">{{cite web | title=Saints: Aaron Kromer will coach first 6 games | website=CBS News | date=2012-08-23 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/saints-aaron-kromer-will-coach-first-6-games/ | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> The team finally broke through with a win in Week 5, against the San Diego Chargers, a game that also saw quarterback Drew Brees break Johnny Unitas's longstanding record for consecutive games with a touchdown pass. After their bye week, the Saints went on to win 4 of their next 5 games, to bring their record to an even 5–5. [[Joe Vitt]] returned after his six-game suspension to serve as interim head coach for the rest of the season.<ref name="u610">{{cite web | title=Joe Vitt returns to head-coaching post for New Orleans Saints | website=NFL.com | date=2012-10-22 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/joe-vitt-returns-to-head-coaching-post-for-new-orleans-saints-0ap1000000083995 | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> The team failed to hold its momentum however, and lost the next three games, including a loss at Atlanta that also marked the end of Brees' record touchdown streak after 54 games, and a 52–27 blowout loss to the Giants that dropped the Saints to 5–8. Despite winning 2 of their last 3 games, and Brees again leading the league with 5,177 passing yards (his third time to surpass 5,000 yards, as he remained the only quarterback to break that barrier more than once), the team finished third in the NFC South, at 7–9. The Saints defense allowed 7,042 yards, setting an NFL record.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nfl.si.com/2012/12/30/saints-defense-sets-record-for-most-yards-allowed-in-a-season/ |title=Saints' defense sets record for most yards allowed in a season &#124; Audibles - SI.com |access-date=March 14, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314033706/http://nfl.si.com/2012/12/30/saints-defense-sets-record-for-most-yards-allowed-in-a-season/ |archive-date=March 14, 2014}}</ref>

The Saints finished their 2013 preseason 3–1, and won their first five regular-season games against the Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, [[Arizona Cardinals]], Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears. The Saints under Sean Peyton had been winless in Chicago's Soldier Field and had not won in the Windy City since 2000. The Saints fared well against Chicago, Arizona and Miami, winning 26–18, 31–7 and 38–17 respectively, but needed a 4th down shutdown and a last-minute field goal to escape Atlanta and Tampa Bay. The Saints went on a 5–0 win streak, but were stopped short by the New England Patriots in Week 6, losing 30–27, with a touchdown pass by Tom Brady in the last 5 seconds of the game. New Orleans would go undefeated at home for the second straight season with Sean Payton as the head coach, but finish just 3–5 on the road. Key losses included a 7–34 blowout against the [[Seattle Seahawks]] on [[Monday Night Football]] in Seattle which cost them homefield advantage throughout the playoffs, a 16–27 upset against the St. Louis Rams in St. Louis which led to the Saints needing to win their next game against Carolina to control their own playoff destiny, and a heartbreaking 13–17 defeat to their division rival the [[Carolina Panthers]] in Charlotte who went on to win the NFC South. The Saints finished the season with an 11–5 record and earned a wild card berth as the sixth seed in the NFC.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2013.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> On January 4, 2014, the Saints recorded their first road playoff win in franchise history over the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] 26–24.<ref name="z445">{{cite web | agency=Associated Press | title=Saints edge Eagles 26-24 in NFC wild-card game | website=Whittier Daily News | date=2014-01-05 | url=https://www.whittierdailynews.com/2014/01/05/saints-edge-eagles-26-24-in-nfc-wild-card-game/ | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> On January 11, the Saints lost to the first seed, the Seattle Seahawks, once again in Seattle 15–23.<ref name="m214">{{cite web | last=Condotta | first=Bob | title=Seahawks hold on, beat Saints 23-15 | website=The Seattle Times | date=2014-01-11 | url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seahawks-hold-on-beat-saints-23-15/ | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> The weather conditions were very poor, which gave the offense much difficulty. Despite the conditions, the defense of the Saints played well, holding Seattle to just 23 over the 34 points allowed against Seattle during the regular season.

The Saints finished the season 7–9, second in their division behind the 7–8–1 Carolina Panthers. They missed out on the playoffs after being defeated 14–30 by their divisional rival, the Atlanta Falcons, in the second-to-last week of the season. This season was notorious in Saints history for having the 31st worst-ranked defense in the league, which is one of the main reasons for the Saints' poor 2014 campaign. The only two great performances by the defense out of the entire season came from a 44–23 home win against the Green Bay Packers and a 31–15 victory against the [[Chicago Bears]] in Chicago.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2014.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

The Saints finished with a 7–9 record for the second consecutive season. They were third in the NFC South after the 15–1 NFC champions [[2015 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]] and the 8–8 [[2015 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/index.htm |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Their defense was historically bad. They allowed the most passing touchdowns in a season in [[National Football League|NFL]] history as they allowed 45, effectively making them the worst passing defense in NFL history. They also set the NFL record in opposing passer rating (116.2), while finishing last in points allowed (29.8) and yards allowed per play (6.6).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://theadvocate.com/sports/latestsports/14630245-37/saints-defense-held-itself-back-in-2015-by-obliterating-team-record-for-first-downs-allowed-by-penal | title=Saints defense held itself back in 2015 | publisher=theadvocate.com | date=January 20, 2016 | access-date=February 11, 2016 | archive-date=May 14, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514003335/http://theadvocate.com/sports/latestsports/14630245-37/saints-defense-held-itself-back-in-2015-by-obliterating-team-record-for-first-downs-allowed-by-penal | url-status=live }}</ref> Atrocious play by defensive captain Brandon Browner, who set the NFL record for most penalties with 23, did not help the struggling Saints defense. Defensive coordinator [[Rob Ryan]] was fired near the half-way point in the season and was replaced by senior defensive assistant [[Dennis Allen (American football)|Dennis Allen]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2015/12/new_orleans_saints_cornerback_63.html | title=Saints Brandon Browner sets NFL penalty record | publisher=Nola.com | date=December 21, 2015 | access-date=February 10, 2016 | archive-date=February 11, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160211035506/http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2015/12/new_orleans_saints_cornerback_63.html | url-status=live }}</ref> The Saints had strong play from their [[2015 NFL draft|2015 draft class]]. The Saints' first pick [[Andrus Peat]] started at right tackle and left guard at certain points in the season, and other first-round pick [[Stephone Anthony]] finished his rookie season with 112 tackles, one sack, one interception, and two forced fumbles. He had two scores, both coming against the Carolina Panthers and led all rookies in tackles. Second-round pick [[Hau'oli Kikaha]] had 4 sacks. Canadian football star [[Delvin Breaux]], who was signed in the off-season, led the Saints struggling secondary with 3 interceptions and 19 pass deflections. Drew Brees also tied the NFL record for touchdown passes in a game with 7, coming against the New York Giants.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Orr|first1=Connor|title=Drew Brees ties single-game record with 7 TD passes|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/drew-brees-ties-single-game-record-with-7-td-passes-0ap3000000570255|website=[[NFL.com]]|access-date=February 11, 2016|date=November 1, 2015|archive-date=February 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160226012316/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000570255/article/drew-brees-ties-singlegame-record-with-7-td-passes|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Saints finished with a 7–9 record for the third consecutive season, their offense finished first in the NFL in yards per game (426.0), second in points per game (29.3), and third in yards per play (6.2). Brees led the NFL in passing yards with 5,208.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 NFL Passing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2016/passing.htm |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> However the defense yet again struggled mightily, as they were allowed the 2nd most points per game (28.4) and 6th most yards per game (375.4) while being tied for 2nd worst in yards per play allowed (6.0).<ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 NFL Opposition & Defensive Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2016/opp.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

Despite an 0–2 start to the season, the Saints proceeded to win their next 8 games en route to an 11–5 finish, winning their first NFC South title since 2011. The Saints' turnaround was largely attributable to their [[2017 NFL draft|draft]], where they drafted cornerback [[Marshon Lattimore]], offensive tackle [[Ryan Ramczyk]], safety [[Marcus Williams (safety)|Marcus Williams]], and running back [[Alvin Kamara]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 New Orleans Saints Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2017_draft.htm |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> It is widely considered one of the best draft classes in NFL history. The defense drastically improved, as they allowed just 20.4 points per game while finishing third in the league with 20 interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Opposition & Defensive Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/opp.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The offense continued to be excellent, finishing second in yards per game (391.2) and fourth in points per game (28.0).<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/ |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

In the wild card round, the Saints defeated the [[2017 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]] in the wild-card round, 31–26.<ref name="x057">{{cite web | last=Martel | first=Brett | title=Brees, defensive stand, help Saints survive Panthers, 31-26 | website=AP News | date=2018-01-08 | url=https://apnews.com/general-news-76dec3d1ab0843fda130caefaee258c0 | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref> However, in the divisional round, the Saints lost 29–24 to the [[2017 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]] after the Vikings completed the [[Minneapolis Miracle]]. The Minneapolis Miracle was a stunning finish in which Vikings quarterback [[Case Keenum]] completed a pass towards the sideline to [[Stefon Diggs]], then Marcus Williams missed a tackle and Diggs was able to run to the end zone for a 61-yard touchdown with no time left on the clock.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shpigel |first=Ben |date=2018-01-15 |title=Vikings Shock Saints on Stefon Diggs's Last-Second Touchdown |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/14/sports/vikings-stefon-diggs-saints.html |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

On March 15, 2018, the Saints' owner Tom Benson died from flu at the age of 90 after he was hospitalized on February 16, 2018.<ref>{{cite news|title=New Orleans Saints, Pelicans owner Tom Benson passes away at age 90|url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/new-orleans-saints-pelicans-owner-tom-benson-passes-away-at-age-90-20455178|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NewOrleansSaints.com|date=March 15, 2018|access-date=March 15, 2018|archive-date=June 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630222420/https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/new-orleans-saints-pelicans-owner-tom-benson-passes-away-at-age-90-20455178|url-status=live}}</ref> Benson's wife Gayle Benson succeeded him as the owner of the Saints and the NBA's [[New Orleans Pelicans]].

In the 2018 season, the Saints finished with a 13–3 record and won the NFC South.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2018.htm |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The Saints defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 20–14 in the Divisional Round.<ref name="c894">{{cite web | last=Wilner | first=Barry | title=Saints rally past Eagles 20-14, will host NFC title game | website=AP News | date=2019-01-14 | url=https://apnews.com/general-news-967be7f75f734e8f8d1bb9d9e768cd28 | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref> The Saints fell to the Los Angeles Rams 26–23 in overtime in the NFC Championship in a game that had a controversial ending to regulation.<ref name="b503">{{Cite web |last=Newberry |first=Paul |date=2019-01-21 |title=Blown call, Zuerlein's 57-yard FG send Rams to Super Bowl |url=https://apnews.com/article/1750d01c9116484c929489858bec7da4 |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=AP News}}</ref>

In the 2019 season, the Saints finished with a 13–3 record and won the NFC South.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2019 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2019.htm |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The Saints lost 26–20 in overtime to the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card Round.<ref name="z372">{{cite web | last=Guilbeau | first=Glenn | title=Saints Season Over: Vikings upset Saints, 26-20, in overtime | website=The Daily Advertiser | date=2020-01-05 | url=https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/sports/nfl/saints/2020/01/05/saints-season-over-vikings-upset-saints-26-20-overtime/2812724001/ | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref>

In the 2020 season, the Saints won the NFC South with a 12–4 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2020.htm |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In the Wild Card Round, they defeated the Chicago Bears 21–9.<ref name="e403">{{cite web | last=Williams | first=Charean | title=Saints beat Bears 21-9 to advance to divisional round, third meeting with Bucs | website=NBC Sports | date=2021-01-10 | url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/saints-beat-bears-21-9-to-advance-to-divisional-round-third-meeting-with-bucs | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref> In the Divisional Round, they fell to their NFC South rivals, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 30–20.<ref name="d974">{{cite web | last=Ella | first=JR | title=Turnovers Doom Saints in 30-20 Loss to the Bucs in the NFC Divisional Playoffs | website=Canal Street Chronicles | date=2021-01-17 | url=https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2021/1/17/22236297/new-orleans-saints-tampa-bay-buccaneers-nfc-divisional-playoffs-final-score-loss-30-20-nfl-2021 | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref> The loss was Drew Brees's final game.<ref name="h809">{{cite web | last=Gordon | first=Grant | title=Saints QB Drew Brees announces retirement after 20-year career | website=NFL.com | date=2021-03-14 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-qb-drew-brees-announces-retirement-after-20-year-career | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref>

Following Drew Brees's retirement, the Saints had a revolving door at quarterback in the 2021 season with Trevor Siemian, Jameis Winston, Taysom Hill, and Ian Book starting over the course of the year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2021 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2021.htm |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In the 2021 season, the Saints finished 9–8 and missed the postseason.<ref name="q567">{{cite web | last=Martel | first=Brett | title=Saints weathered adversity in 2021, competitive to the end | website=AP News | date=2022-01-11 | url=https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sports-new-orleans-new-orleans-saints-malcolm-jenkins-b0835f797c7a4970dea62ed12e3323b8 | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref>

On January 25, 2022, Sean Payton announced to the team that he was stepping away as head coach after 15 seasons with the team.<ref name="t857">{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=2022-01-25 |title=Sean Payton stepping down as head coach of Saints after 15 seasons |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/sean-payton-stepping-down-as-head-coach-of-saints-after-15-seasons |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=[[NFL.com]]}}</ref> During his tenure as head coach, the Saints went 152–89 in the regular season and 9–8 in the postseason.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sean Payton Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/PaytSe0.htm |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

==== Dennis Allen years (2022–2024) ====
The team promoted defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen to head coach on February 8, 2022.<ref name="l272">{{cite web | last=Triplett | first=Mike | title=New Orleans Saints hire defensive coordinator Dennis Allen as head coach | website=ESPN.com | date=2022-02-07 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33239287/sources-new-orleans-saints-hire-defensive-coordinator-dennis-allen-head-coach | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref>

On November 14, 2022, after a 3–7 start, disappointed Saints fans started a petition on change.org, asking to relieve [[Dennis Allen (American football)|Dennis Allen]] of his duties.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 14, 2022 |title=Saints fans launch petition asking team to fire Dennis Allen |url=https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2022/11/14/saints-fire-dennis-allen-petition-fans-twitter-reactions/ |access-date=December 22, 2022 |website=Saints Wire |language=en-US}}</ref> The Saints finished the 2022 season with a 7–10 mark and missed the postseason.<ref name="m641">{{cite web | last=Churchill | first=Justin | title=Saints' Pro Bowler sends shots at division rival | website=AToZSports.com | date=2023-02-05 | url=https://atozsports.com/nfl/new-orleans-saints-news/saints-pro-bowler-sends-shots-at-division-rival/ | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref> Allen would maintain his head coaching position into the start of the 2023 season.

During the 2023 season, The Saints brought in a new quarterback in Derek Carr hoping that he would solidify the position.<ref name="z273">{{cite web | last=Patra | first=Kevin | title=Saints, QB Derek Carr agree to four-year, $150 million contract | website=NFL.com | date=2023-03-06 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-closing-in-on-deal-with-free-agent-qb-derek-carr#:~:text=The%20first%20QB%20domino%20of,sources%20informed%20of%20the%20situation. | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref>  Dennis Allen and the Saints had one of the easiest schedules in the league, but finished with a 9–8 record missing the playoffs after a 3rd straight season.<ref name="n101">{{cite web | last=Gray | first=Darrion | title=Which losses should the Saints regret most from the 2023 season? | website=Saints Wire|publisher=USA Today | date=2024-01-14 | url=https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2024/01/14/saints-2023-season-playoffs-wild-card-seeds-packers-vikings-buccaneers/ | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref>

Dennis Allen was fired on November 4, 2024, following a 23–22 loss to division rivals Carolina Panthers and a 2–7 start.<ref name="i021">{{cite web | last=Patra | first=Kevin | title=Saints fire head coach Dennis Allen after loss to Panthers, 2-7 start to season | website=NFL.com | date=2024-11-04 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-fire-head-coach-dennis-allen-after-loss-to-panthers-2-7-start-to-season | access-date=2024-11-05}}</ref>