Just because Allen wasn't a "new head coach" doesn't mean that Loomis and company would be willing to hand over the same level of autonomy in decision making that Sean Payton earned over his 15 year tenure. I'm not saying he wouldn't have input, but deciding whether or not to give into player contract demands are likely far out of his current level of authority.

Who's assuming now?

I am, of course, based upon decision making authorities of head coaches across the entire league and the relative longevity of the position in those cases. I'd wager a good bit that my educated assumption is far closer to fact than the assumption that Dennis Allen is unilaterally making personnel decisions for the Saints. Do you disagree?

I like how you changed it to "unilaterally" as if that's what any of us were arguing....

I can easily see Allen being asked about Williams and saying he would really like to bring him back, but then being told later they couldn't come to acceptable terms with the player. Payton may have been able to say, "I don't care. Do whatever it takes," while Allen just has to live with that decision.

...Payton may have been able to say, "I don't care. Do whatever it takes, while Allen just has to live with that decision."

THAT can pretty much sum up our entire season, and possibly a few more seasons.

I agree that Payton will not be easy to replace ... if ever. Same can be said for Drew Brees.