The New Orleans Saints are in the midst of a critical phase in their franchise’s history. After the departure of legendary head coach Sean Payton, who led the team for 15 seasons and delivered a Super Bowl victory, the Saints have been seeking a new leader to steer the ship. Payton’s absence has left a significant void not only on the field but also in terms of the team’s identity. Now, with the 2024 season on the horizon, the question remains: who will fill the shoes of one of the most successful coaches in NFL history?
While the decision ultimately lies in the hands of team owner Gayle Benson and general manager Mickey Loomis, one figure with unparalleled insight into the New Orleans Saints organization has weighed in: **Drew Brees**. The Saints’ all-time great quarterback, who spent 15 seasons in New Orleans and led the team to its only Super Bowl title in 2009, recently shared his pick for who should take over as head coach. The answer? **Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen**.
Brees’ endorsement of Allen isn’t just based on a casual opinion. It speaks to a deeper understanding of the culture of the Saints organization, the qualities required to succeed in the NFL, and Allen’s track record within the team. In this blog post, we’ll explore why Brees is backing Dennis Allen as the next head coach, what makes Allen an ideal candidate for the role, and how this decision could shape the future of the New Orleans Saints.
### The Transition from Sean Payton to Dennis Allen
Before we dive into Brees’ choice, it’s important to understand the context surrounding the Saints’ search for a new head coach. After a successful 15-year run under Sean Payton, the team entered a new era following Payton’s decision to step away in 2022. Payton’s exit left a significant leadership void, and the team needed a new direction.
In 2022, the Saints hired Dennis Allen as head coach after he had served as the team’s defensive coordinator for several years. Allen, who had a prior stint as head coach of the Oakland Raiders from 2012-2014, was brought in to keep continuity and maintain a strong defense, a hallmark of the Saints during Payton’s tenure.
However, the results under Allen have been mixed. While the Saints’ defense remained solid under his leadership, the offense struggled to find consistency in 2022 and 2023, ultimately leading to a second-place finish in the NFC South both years. The Saints’ inability to find a long-term solution at quarterback after Brees’ retirement, coupled with a lack of explosive offensive play, has created a sense of uncertainty around Allen’s future. Despite these challenges, Allen’s leadership on defense, his familiarity with the team, and his previous success as a coordinator have kept him in the conversation for the top job.
### Drew Brees’ Endorsement of Dennis Allen
Drew Brees, a former player who had a front-row seat to the inner workings of the Saints during one of their most successful stretches in franchise history, recently gave his strong endorsement to Dennis Allen as the next long-term head coach of the Saints. In an interview, Brees spoke about Allen’s qualities as a coach, his ability to relate to players, and his deep understanding of the team’s culture.
“I’ve always respected Dennis as a coach, and I believe he is the right man for the job,” Brees said. “He’s been a huge part of this organization for so long, and his leadership and familiarity with the culture and the city of New Orleans are incredibly important. He has earned the opportunity to be the head coach, and I have no doubt he’ll do great things with this team.”
Brees’ backing of Allen isn’t just a casual endorsement. It reflects Brees’ belief in continuity and stability for the Saints, especially after the abrupt transition following Payton’s departure. Having seen Allen’s work from a player’s perspective, Brees is well aware of Allen’s leadership abilities, his attention to detail, and his commitment to the Saints’ defensive prowess. More than that, Brees sees in Allen the right kind of coach to preserve the winning mentality that has defined the Saints for the past two decades.
### Why Dennis Allen Is a Strong Candidate
Drew Brees is not the only one who sees Dennis Allen’s potential as the head coach of the Saints. There are several key reasons why Allen is well-suited to lead the team, and these qualities go beyond his time as defensive coordinator. Let’s take a closer look at why Allen’s candidacy makes sense for the Saints.
#### 1. **Familiarity with the Organization**
One of the most compelling reasons for hiring Dennis Allen is his deep familiarity with the New Orleans Saints. Having been with the organization since 2015, Allen knows the team inside and out. He has worked alongside Sean Payton for several years and has been instrumental in helping build the Saints’ defense into one of the most consistent and dominant units in the NFL.
That institutional knowledge provides Allen with an advantage in terms of understanding the team’s culture, expectations, and approach to both team-building and game-planning. Transitioning to a new head coach can be jarring for players, but Allen’s familiarity with the locker room and the front office would help ensure a smoother transition, keeping the focus on football rather than rebuilding the culture from scratch.
#### 2. **Defensive Prowess**
One of Dennis Allen’s greatest strengths is his ability to develop a top-tier defense. Under his leadership, the Saints’ defense has consistently ranked among the league’s best, with a particular emphasis on stopping the run, pressuring the quarterback, and creating turnovers. In recent years, the Saints’ defense has been a constant strength for the team, often compensating for the inconsistencies on offense.
Allen has consistently proven his ability to build a defense that can compete with the best in the NFL. His expertise on that side of the ball would help the Saints remain competitive, even if the offense takes time to gel. With teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, and Carolina Panthers all vying for supremacy in the NFC South, a strong defense would give the Saints a fighting chance in what has been a highly competitive division.
#### 3. **Experience as a Head Coach**
Though his tenure as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders was less successful (he was fired after just four seasons), Allen gained valuable experience during that time. His stint as a head coach allowed him to learn the ins and outs of managing a team, overseeing all aspects of game day, and dealing with the pressures that come with the job. While his time with the Raiders wasn’t marked by success, it nonetheless helped him mature as a leader and develop the necessary skills to run a football team.
His second chance as a head coach with the Saints allows him to build upon that experience and approach the job with more knowledge, confidence, and a better understanding of how to succeed at the highest level. In a way, Allen is a coach who has had time to learn from his mistakes and improve as a leader. That maturation process could ultimately benefit the Saints as they try to reclaim their place as an NFC powerhouse.
#### 4. **Leadership and Player Relationships**
Dennis Allen is known for his strong leadership and ability to connect with players. Brees himself praised Allen for his ability to relate to the team, motivate his players, and create a positive locker room culture. This is critical for any head coach, but especially for the Saints, who have a roster filled with veterans and young players alike.
A strong leader in the locker room can make all the difference when things aren’t going well. Having a coach who players respect and trust, who can keep the team together during tough times, is vital for long-term success. Allen’s rapport with players like Cam Jordan, Demario Davis, and Marshon Lattimore has been a key factor in the Saints’ ability to stay competitive in recent seasons.
### Potential Challenges for Allen
While there is much to be excited about with Dennis Allen as head coach, there are challenges that cannot be ignored. The primary one is the inconsistency of the Saints’ offense. Despite having a strong defense, the Saints have struggled to find a long-term solution at quarterback and have had issues with offensive balance. Allen’s focus has always been on the defensive side of the ball, and he will need to make sure the offense, whether it’s led by Derek Carr or another quarterback, can perform at a high level.
Additionally, the expectations in New Orleans are sky-high. Saints fans are accustomed to success, and with Brees’ legacy still fresh in the minds of the city’s passionate fanbase, Allen will need to deliver results quickly to avoid any frustration or dissatisfaction.
### Conclusion: Is Dennis Allen the Right Choice?
Drew Brees’ endorsement of Dennis Allen carries significant weight, given his deep knowledge of the Saints’ culture and his understanding of what it takes to succeed in New Orleans. While Allen’s tenure as head coach is still in its early stages, his track record as a defensive mastermind and his familiarity with the team make him a strong candidate to continue leading the Saints forward.
Ultimately, the decision will come down to how well Allen can build on the team’s strengths, address its weaknesses, and guide the offense to consistency. If Allen can do that, the Saints will remain a formidable force in the NFC South and beyond, with the ultimate goal of returning to Super Bowl contention. Drew Brees’ support is a testament to Allen’s potential, but now it’s up to him to prove he’s the right man for the job.
