Dennis Allen is the new head coach of the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League (NFL). The previous defense coordinator is moving into the position of his longtime boss after the separation from Sean Payton, as the franchise announced on Tuesday.
This also fills the last vacant coaching position in the league. Allen (49) was already the head coach of the Oakland Raiders (now Las Vegas Raiders) from 2021 to 2014 with a moderate record.
Payton had resigned after 15 years. He had led the club to their only Super Bowl triumph to date (2010) but was also suspended for a season for his involvement in a scandal. Whether the 58-year-old will return to the NFL stage again is an open question.
The Saints missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016-17 with nine wins and eight losses.