New Orleans Saints hire Dennis Allen, defensive coordinator, as their head coach

The New Orleans SaintsSources have told ESPN's Adam Schefter Monday that they have informed Dennis Allen, the defensive coordinator, that they are going to hire him as their next head coaches.

Allen, 49, will take over from Sean Payton, his long-time boss who left him two weeks ago. After going 8-28 as the Oakland Raiders' coach from 2012-2014, Allen will now be Allen's second head coach.

Former NFL head coaches Doug Pederson and Brian Flores were also interviewed by the Saints. Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Kansas City ChiefsEric Bieniemy, offensive coordinator, and Darren Rizzi (special teams coordinator for Saints) were selected for this job.

Allen, however, was seen as the best candidate because he is New Orleans' defensive coach and the franchise didn't need an overhaul after posting the NFL’s second-best regular-season record in five years.

“Those eight teams who let go of their head coaches, I believe their situations are different from ours,” Mickey Loomis (Saints general manager) stated as he entered the coaching search. “Our coach had a lot of really great things already in place when he retired.

“This doesn't mean it can't improve and be built upon. We don't view it as a culture change, roster changes, or anything similar.

New Orleans' defense is now the strength of their team, ranking fourth in NFL in yards allowed and allowed points over the past three years according to ESPN Stats and Information research.

Allen was also the replacement for Payton in 2021, when Payton was injured by COVID-19. The Saints won the game 9-0 at home. Tampa Bay Buccaneers— This was the first time since 2006 that Tom Brady was shut out.

It is unclear how many Saints coaches will be retained. However, Allen may have considered that. Rizzi and Pete Carmichael Jr. are both offensive coordinators.

The Saints expect Allen to have greater success during his second stint in the role of head coach. Loomis stated that Allen's experience is a plus.

Loomis stated last week that “First of all, he is a great coach and he has been a part our building for many years.” “He has been part in building the culture, and he's been part our success over the years. He's also a coach with experience.

Allen will now be the Saints' eleventh full-time and 17th interim coach. As an assistant defensive coach, he was part of Payton's first coaching staff in 2006. He also served as secondary coach to the Saints' Super Bowl win in 2009. Allen was promoted to the Denver Broncos' defensive coach in 2011, and as the Raiders' head coaching from 2012-2014. After being fired in the fourth game of that last season, Allen was back with the Saints in 2015 as a senior defensive assistant.

After Rob Ryan's firing, Allen was appointed New Orleans' defensive coordinator. He has been there ever since. His efforts have helped transform an unit that ranked 31st in yards allowed and 32nd in points allowed in 2015.

Because of the salary cap constraints, the Raiders were still in a rebuilding phase when Allen took over. After a disappointing 0-4 start to 2014, the team was still not showing signs of improvement. The team also lost six of their final six games in 2013, resulting in a losing streak of 10 games.

Allen didn't get the chance to see the fruits of 2014's final draft with the team. It featured All-Pro edge rusher. Khalil MackThe quarterback Derek Carr. Allen insists that his coaching experience has made him a better coach.

Allen answered Week 18 questions about potential head coaching positions. Allen stated, “I think the resume is and what we have been able to achieve here defensively speaks for it.” “I would love that opportunity again. It would be a great experience and I would be better prepared.

“I believe that any task you undertake, you can gain more experience and become more competent at it. Each year I feel like I've seen our team grow, and that we have gotten better. It's my belief that you can improve in whatever you do if you keep working.

Allen played safety at Texas A&M, then began his coaching career as an assistant with Texas A&M, Tulsa and the Atlanta FalconsBefore joining the Saints. Grady Allen, his father, was a linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons for five years.

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