New Orleans Saints Owner Gayle Benson Defends GM Mickey Loomis Amid Team Struggles

New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson has made it clear that she does not plan to make any radical changes to the team’s front office despite the struggles this season. The Saints are currently 2-8 during the first season under offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who was hired by the team’s longtime general manager, Mickey Loomis.

In recent months, fans have intensified calls for Loomis to be fired following several seasons of underwhelming team performances. However, in a recent interview with the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Benson strongly defended Loomis and dismissed the idea of his dismissal.

“It may not be what the fans want to hear, but as far as firing Mickey Loomis, that’s ridiculous. He does a great job,” Benson told The Times-Picayune. “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.”

Benson continued, “It’s not like he’s sitting on his butt, not worrying about things. Mickey is one of the longest-tenured and most respected general managers in the NFL. 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.”

Mickey Loomis has been with the Saints organization since 2000 when he was hired by Gayle Benson’s late husband, Tom Benson, as director of football administration. He was promoted to general manager in 2002 and added the role of executive vice president in 2013.

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Gayle Benson: Saints and Pelicans Are Not For Sale

In the same interview, Gayle Benson addressed speculation regarding the potential sale of the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans. She made it unequivocally clear that neither team is for sale.

“Let me be clear about this,” Benson said. “The teams are not for sale. That’s in capital letters. I want everybody to know the teams are not for sale. I get tired of people asking me [if they’re for sale].”

Benson also addressed rumors about relocating the team, emphasizing her commitment to keeping the Saints in New Orleans. “I’m going to turn 79 in January, but I’m pretty healthy. I hear that people want to talk to me about buying the team. I’m like, well, that’s a waste of my time. That’s not going to happen. And people need to calm down about the team moving.”

Gayle Benson became the principal owner of both the Saints and the Pelicans in 2018, following the passing of Tom Benson. Tom Benson originally purchased the Saints in 1985, and with Gayle Benson’s firm stance on ownership, the NFL team is expected to remain under the Benson family’s control for many years to come.

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Edited by Farouk Yusuf
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-saints-owner-gayle-benson-defends-gm-mickey-loomis-amid-firing-calls-despite-very-disappointed-team-s-results