The last seven weeks have been an audition for interim Darren Rizzi.

Interim coaches aren’t often hired for full-time jobs, but since taking over from Dennis Allen nearly two months ago, Rizzi has had plenty of time to show the New Orleans Saints that he’s ready for the job after this season.

But Sunday’s 25-10 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders was the second straight game in which the Saints suffered a humiliating defeat. And the game also dropped him to under .500 (3-4) in his tenure.

Does he fear that his chances of keeping the job have dwindled?

“I really don’t see it that way,” Rizzi said. “Maybe you look at it that way from the outside and you’re right.” I can’t deal with that at the moment. I have to coach this last week, take a step back and then evaluate the whole thing.

“The future powers will evaluate the whole thing and then we will move on. I can’t worry too much about that. I’m worried about the guys in the locker room. That’s what I’m worried about.” I’m mad for her.

After taking over from Allen, Rizzi made changes to the Saints and they seemed to be working. New Orleans won three of its first four games under its new coach. But the Saints cooled off, losing three straight. They were shut out in last week’s 34-0 loss to the Green Bay Packers, and on Sunday they lost to a team that entered the afternoon just 3-12.

Rizzi had previously been considered for the Saints’ final coaching position in 2022 when he interviewed for the job that ultimately went to Allen.

General manager Mickey Loomis said in a radio interview that the Saints would not gear up until the end of the season.

“Our execution just wasn’t good enough,” Rizzi said Sunday. “It’s frustrating and it’s hard for me to see the players. This is the most frustrating thing for me. These guys are obviously the ones I care about the most. This is the most frustrating thing, but we still have one left. We have to find a way to respond and get better.”