Dennis Allen

Dennis Allen is a former American football coach and player who is currently the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He previously served as the interim head coach for the Saints in 2015 and 2022, and as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders from 2012 to 2014.

Allen was born in Hurst, Texas, and played college football at Texas A&M University. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 1995 NFL Draft and played for the team for seven seasons. He also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Carolina Panthers, and Atlanta Falcons before retiring in 2007.

After his playing career, Allen began his coaching career as a defensive assistant for the Saints in 2008. He was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2011 and held that position until 2014. He was named interim head coach of the Saints in 2015 after Sean Payton was suspended for the season, and he led the team to a 7-9 record. He was not retained as head coach after the season, and he joined the Raiders as head coach in 2012.

Allen was fired by the Raiders after the 2014 season, and he returned to the Saints as defensive coordinator in 2015. He was named interim head coach again in 2022 after Payton resigned, and he led the team to a 9-8 record. He was not retained as head coach after the season, and he returned to his role as defensive coordinator.

Allen is considered to be one of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL. He has a reputation for being a tough and demanding coach, but he is also known for his ability to develop young players. He has been credited with helping to turn the Saints into one of the top defenses in the NFL.

Allen is married to Alisson Allen, and they have two children. He is a devout Christian and is active in his church.