When Sean Payton announced he was stepping away from the New Orleans Saints after the 2021 season, the franchise faced a monumental challenge. The team had been built in his image, with a foundation of high expectations, savvy coaching, and consistent competitiveness. But now, after over a decade and a half of unprecedented success, the Saints were suddenly looking for a new head coach.
They weren’t alone. The 2022-2023 NFL offseason saw several teams making head coaching changes, but New Orleans was, arguably, the last team standing in their pursuit of a new leader. With each passing year, their decision became more critical. The question wasn’t just who would replace Payton, but whether the franchise could avoid a prolonged period of mediocrity and remain a contender in the competitive NFC South.
### The Saints’ Previous Success
To understand the magnitude of this decision, it’s essential to look back at Payton’s legacy. From 2006 to 2021, Payton not only reshaped the Saints’ offense but also turned them into perennial playoff contenders. Under his leadership, the team secured a Super Bowl victory in 2009, made nine playoff appearances, and consistently boasted one of the most potent offenses in the NFL. Payton was also instrumental in developing Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees into one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Beyond the numbers, Payton established a winning culture. The Saints became known for their resilience, overcoming obstacles ranging from salary cap restrictions to a devastating hurricane. Their success wasn’t just about the X’s and O’s but also about an identity rooted in grit and adaptability.
However, after a disappointing end to the 2021 season—missing the playoffs despite a strong defensive effort—the team, and Payton, decided it was time for a change. Payton’s decision to step away left a gaping hole in the organization that would take careful consideration to fill.
### The Search for a New Head Coach
When the Saints began their search for a new head coach, they had a clear vision: they needed someone who could sustain the culture Payton had built, understand the unique dynamics of the NFC South, and, perhaps most importantly, continue to develop a competitive team in the post-Drew Brees era.
The search process itself was a long and, at times, uncertain one. The Saints were one of the last teams to hire a head coach during the 2022 offseason, ultimately choosing Dennis Allen, their defensive coordinator, as Payton’s successor. Allen had been with the team since 2015 and was well-regarded for his defensive acumen. However, his previous head coaching stint with the Oakland Raiders (2012-2014) had ended in failure, leaving many to question whether he could succeed in New Orleans.
Still, Allen’s promotion made sense on some levels. The Saints’ defense had been one of the best in the league, and Allen’s familiarity with the roster and the coaching staff could offer continuity. New Orleans wasn’t looking for a dramatic overhaul—they needed someone who understood the inner workings of the franchise. And Allen was the safe choice.
### The 2022-2023 Season: A Mixed Bag
Allen’s first season as head coach wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t spectacular either. The Saints finished with a disappointing 7-10 record, failing to make the playoffs for the second consecutive year. While the defense remained strong, ranking among the league’s best in several categories, the offense struggled mightily. The quarterback position, which had been a weakness since Brees retired after the 2020 season, continued to be a liability. Jameis Winston, the former No. 1 overall pick, had his moments but was inconsistent. Backup quarterback Andy Dalton was serviceable but didn’t provide the spark the team needed.
The Saints’ inability to find stability at quarterback left a significant dent in their overall performance. It’s a reminder of how critical the position is in the NFL, and how difficult it is to truly compete without a franchise quarterback. Despite this, Allen’s defensive prowess kept the team competitive in games, but the lack of offensive firepower ultimately proved to be their downfall.
But even as Allen’s first season ended on a down note, it wasn’t enough to suggest the Saints had made a mistake by hiring him. The team’s defense was elite, and they had just gone through a rough transition at the most important position on the field. The expectations for year two would be a crucial test of Allen’s ability to right the ship, especially as the team’s roster began to undergo further changes.
### The Big Question: Can Dennis Allen “Get It Right”?
Heading into the 2023 offseason, the Saints were faced with a pivotal crossroads. Allen’s performance in year two would likely determine the direction of the franchise moving forward. Would the Saints’ defensive-minded coach be able to build a more complete team and solve the offensive woes that plagued them in his first year?
One of the main concerns for Allen in 2023 would be the quarterback situation. The Saints brought in veteran Derek Carr from the Las Vegas Raiders, a move that immediately raised the team’s offensive ceiling. Carr, a four-time Pro Bowler, is expected to be the answer at quarterback, bringing stability and leadership to a position that had been in flux for several years. The hope is that Carr’s experience, combined with the Saints’ strong defense, would put them back into contention for a playoff spot in a division that, though improving, is still wide open.
However, there are still significant questions surrounding Allen’s ability to manage the team as a whole. While his defensive schemes have been successful, his overall coaching style has yet to be proven in a high-pressure environment. Payton’s shadow looms large over Allen’s tenure, and fans and analysts alike will be closely watching whether Allen can fully transition from defensive coordinator to head coach.
Beyond Allen’s individual growth, the Saints will need to improve their offensive play-calling and scheme. New offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, who had been with the team for years under Payton, will likely need to evolve and develop more creativity in order to maximize Carr’s potential and finally solve the Saints’ offensive problems.
### Conclusion: The Road Ahead for the Saints
The New Orleans Saints find themselves at a crossroads, much like other teams in the NFL trying to navigate the post-Payton era. Can Dennis Allen “get it right” and prove that he is the long-term answer as head coach? The 2023 season will provide plenty of clues as to whether the Saints have made the right call or if they’ll be stuck in mediocrity once again.
The keys to success for the Saints will be their ability to get consistent quarterback play from Derek Carr, continue their defensive dominance, and address their offensive woes. If they can solve these problems and Allen proves he’s capable of thriving in his new role, New Orleans could be back in the playoff hunt sooner rather than later. However, if the issues from 2022 persist, the team may find itself looking for answers again in the near future.
In a league where coaching is often the difference between success and failure, the Saints’ ability to “get it right” with Dennis Allen will determine their future. They may not be the last team standing for much longer, but whether they can capitalize on this opportunity will be what truly matters in the long run.