Key Highlights
- New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson strongly defends general manager Mickey Loomis.
- Benson calls demands for firing Loomis “ridiculous” and says he does a great job.
- The Saints are having their worst start to a season since 1980, with a 1-8 record.
- Loomis has been the GM of the Saints for 24 years, the longest in NFL history.
Defense of Mickey Loomis
New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson recently issued her strongest public endorsement of general manager Mickey Loomis. During an exclusive interview with The Times-Picayune on Thursday, Benson defended the embattled executive, stating that firing him is “ridiculous.” She expressed high esteem for Loomis and emphasized his contributions to the team’s success.
“It may not be what the fans want to hear, but as far as firing Mickey Loomis, that’s ridiculous,” Benson said. “(He) does a great job.”
Challenges Facing the Saints
The Saints’ recent performance has been a source of concern for fans and management alike. The team’s 1-8 start to the 2025 season is its worst since 1980, with a record of 2-8 currently. In his 24th year as the club’s top football executive, Loomis is facing intense criticism from supporters who believe he has failed to replicate the success of former coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees.
“You don’t think Mickey Loomis is losing sleep at night over all of this?
He is,” Benson said. “It’s hard. It’s not an easy job. It’s not like he’s sitting on his butt, not worrying about things.”
Accomplishments and Tenure
Benson highlighted Loomis’ long tenure and numerous accomplishments, including the hiring of Payton in 2006, the free agency signing of Brees, and historic NFL draft classes in 2006 and 2017. She noted that while not every decision works out, she holds Loomis in high esteem for his overall impact on 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.”
Loomis, who has been with the Saints since 1998, is indeed the longest-tenured GM in the NFL, making a significant impact on the team’s history and future.
Future Outlook
Benson’s support of Loomis comes as the Saints are in a rebuilding phase. They have not made the playoffs since Brees retired in 2020 and have seen their win totals decrease each of the last three seasons. Despite the tough start, Benson remains committed to the team’s future.
“I’m very disappointed, as everybody is, but we’re in a rebuilding mode,” Benson said. “Mickey said this from the very beginning of the season. … I understand how fans feel.
I really do. And I feel bad for the fans, but we told everybody in the beginning, this was going to be a tough year, and it has been a tough year.”