The New Orleans Saints are entering a pivotal offseason, and their decision to hire a new head coach will be one of the most consequential moves in the team’s recent history. With the retirement of legendary head coach Sean Payton after 16 seasons, the franchise faces the challenge of finding a leader who can continue the winning tradition Payton established while also steering the team into a new era. As the Saints conduct interviews for the head coaching position, they are looking at several candidates, with one name standing out as a familiar face in the New Orleans community: former Saints defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen.
The fact that the Saints are considering Allen for the top spot is no surprise, as he has experience with the team and a long-standing relationship with the franchise. But Allen is far from the only candidate being considered. As of now, the Saints are reportedly casting a wide net, interviewing a mix of internal and external candidates with diverse backgrounds. These interviews signal that the Saints are not only looking for someone who can win now but someone who will help shape the future of a franchise in transition.
Let’s dive deeper into the Saints’ head coaching search, the candidates involved, and the potential paths the franchise could take in selecting its next leader.
### **The Familiar Face: Dennis Allen**
Dennis Allen has been with the Saints since 2015, initially serving as the team’s defensive coordinator before briefly being hired as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders in 2012. After his tenure in Oakland ended in 2014, Allen returned to New Orleans and once again became the defensive coordinator. During his time with the Saints, Allen has developed a reputation for building strong, aggressive defenses, even though the team’s defense struggled in the years prior to his arrival. Under his leadership, the Saints’ defense took significant strides, particularly in terms of pass defense, which had been a weak spot for the team for years.
Allen’s defense was key to the Saints’ success during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. The Saints finished in the top-10 for total defense in both years, and Allen’s unit showed a knack for getting after the quarterback, creating turnovers, and limiting big plays. In 2021, the Saints had the fourth-best overall defense in the league, an achievement that set the stage for Allen’s candidacy as the team’s next head coach.
One of the primary reasons Allen is being considered for the position is his familiarity with the roster and organizational culture. As a defensive-minded coach, Allen would bring a strong focus on improving a defense that has already been one of the team’s stronger suits. Given that the Saints already have a talented defensive unit in place, Allen would likely inherit a squad with considerable upside, making him a logical choice for the job.
However, his time as head coach of the Raiders was far from a success. Allen went just 8-28 during his stint in Oakland and struggled to find consistency on both sides of the ball. Despite the failures in Oakland, Allen has grown as a coach and learned from his mistakes, which is why many believe he could be ready for a second shot at being a head coach. The question, however, is whether the Saints are ready to hand the reins to a coach who has never been able to prove himself as a successful leader at the helm of an NFL team.
### **The External Candidates: Exploring Other Options**
While Dennis Allen remains a strong contender for the position, the Saints are also casting a wide net in their search for a new head coach. Several other candidates have reportedly been interviewed, each bringing unique qualities to the table that could benefit the franchise. Here are a few of the top external candidates the Saints are reportedly considering:
1. **Eric Bieniemy – Offensive Coordinator, Kansas City Chiefs**
One of the most sought-after candidates this offseason is Eric Bieniemy, the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs. Bieniemy has helped lead the Chiefs’ high-powered offense, which has consistently been one of the most potent in the league with quarterback Patrick Mahomes at the helm. Bieniemy’s ability to work with elite talent and his innovative offensive schemes make him an attractive option for the Saints, especially given the team’s struggles on offense in recent seasons.
Bieniemy’s candidacy is intriguing for several reasons. First, the Saints have a strong roster on defense, but their offensive production has been inconsistent. Quarterback play, in particular, has been a major issue. Bieniemy could help unlock the potential of players like Alvin Kamara, Michael Thomas, and a possible new quarterback (if the Saints decide to move on from Jameis Winston or Andy Dalton). Additionally, Bieniemy’s success with Mahomes could be viewed as a potential blueprint for developing a young quarterback if the Saints decide to draft one in the upcoming draft.
However, Bieniemy’s inability to secure a head coaching job despite years of success in Kansas City raises questions about his readiness for the role. Some critics cite concerns about his relationship with players and his ability to manage a locker room, but others believe that Bieniemy has been unfairly overlooked. If the Saints are looking for a fresh perspective and a new offensive direction, Bieniemy could be a strong fit.
2. **Brian Flores – Former Head Coach, Miami Dolphins**
Brian Flores is another name that has been linked to the Saints’ head coaching search. Flores was fired by the Miami Dolphins in 2022 despite leading the team to back-to-back winning seasons. Known for his defensive acumen, Flores would bring a similar style to what the Saints have had under Payton, but with a more modern, aggressive approach. His defensive background could help the Saints maintain their defensive strength while also bringing a new energy to the team.
Flores is known for his leadership and the ability to relate to players, making him a respected figure in the league. His track record with the Dolphins—especially in building a tough, competitive team—could make him an appealing option for the Saints. Like Allen, Flores could provide the team with stability and help lead them through a transition period, especially if the front office decides to go in a different direction with the offense.
3. **Dan Quinn – Defensive Coordinator, Dallas Cowboys**
Dan Quinn is another experienced defensive mind who has found success in the NFL. As the defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys, Quinn has overseen one of the league’s most dynamic defensive units in 2021 and 2022. He helped transform the Cowboys’ defense into one of the top units in the league, and his aggressive, attacking style could be a good fit for the Saints. Quinn previously served as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons and took them to a Super Bowl, although his tenure in Atlanta ended poorly with a lack of playoff success.
While Quinn’s experience as a head coach is valuable, some may wonder if he has the ability to lead a team with a focus on both sides of the ball. The Saints’ offense has struggled in recent years, and Quinn’s background as a defensive coach may not be enough to turn things around on that side of the ball. Still, his leadership and track record of developing strong defenses could be key to keeping the Saints competitive in a division that features potent offenses like the Buccaneers and Panthers.
### **What’s Next for the Saints?**
As the Saints continue to evaluate potential candidates, one thing is clear: the franchise is looking for a leader who can guide them through a period of transition while maintaining a competitive edge in the NFC South. With a roster that still features talent on both sides of the ball, the Saints are in a position to make a quick return to playoff contention, but only with the right leadership at the helm.
Dennis Allen may be the safest option, given his familiarity with the roster and his success as the defensive coordinator, but the Saints should not shy away from exploring outside candidates who bring a fresh perspective, particularly on offense. Eric Bieniemy, Brian Flores, and Dan Quinn all have strengths that could address the team’s needs in different ways. The right choice will depend on the direction the Saints want to take: Do they prioritize offense and the development of a young quarterback, or do they continue to build on their strong defense and make incremental improvements on offense?
As the interviews continue, the Saints’ decision will set the tone for the future of the franchise. Whoever they hire, they must be prepared to take on the challenge of following in the footsteps of Sean Payton while also creating a new identity for the team moving forward. The choice will be a defining moment for the New Orleans Saints.