NEW ORLEANS — Dennis Allen has been named head coach of the New Orleans Saints, the club announced Tuesday, Feb. 8. Allen, who has served as New Orleans’ defensive coordinator since 2015, becomes the 17th head coach in the history of the franchise.
“Dennis has a deep understanding for the culture of our organization and our football team,” Saints Owner Gayle Benson said. “That combined with the character, integrity and leadership skills that he possesses makes him the right head coach for the New Orleans Saints. Having been here for 12 years as a member of our coaching staff, he first-hand knows what it takes to achieve success, sustain it and continue to build. Dennis is a quality coach and individual and the right person to help us build on the solid foundation that has already been established here.”
“I saw in Dennis throughout this comprehensive interview process the same things I have seen in 12 years with him in this organization as an assistant coach,” said Mickey Loomis, Saints executive vice president/general manager . “Dennis is smart and organized and his values and personality fit the culture of the New Orleans Saints. The position groups he has coached and the defensive unit he has run have reflected this. Our philosophies on football and our vision for building on what we have with the Saints align in every way with our organization and I am excited to see what Dennis will accomplish in leading our football team.”
A coaching veteran of 26 seasons, including the last 20 in the National Football League, Allen has been a member of the New Orleans coaching staff for 12 seasons, first from 2006-10, returning in 2015. During his tenure as an assistant under Sean Payton in New Orleans, Allen has been part of staffs that have qualified for the playoffs seven times, captured the NFC South division title six times, reached the NFC Championship game three times and won Super Bowl XLIV. This is also Allen’s second tenure as a head coach, having served in that role for the Oakland Raiders from 2012-14.
Allen’s defenses have ranked in the top 10 in yards per game and in the top five in opponent points per game each of the past two seasons. During his 16 seasons coaching a position, serving as a defensive coordinator and as a head coach, he has coached 10 players to a total of 21 Pro Bowl selections.
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