The Colts are bringing in arguably the top available defensive coordinator candidate in this coaching cycle for a look.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Indianapolis Colts are expected to interview former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen for their current defensive coordinator opening:
The #Colts plan to speak with former #Saints head coach Dennis Allen this week for their defensive coordinator job, per sources.
Allen is expected to be a prime candidate for other opportunities due to his work with New Orleans’ defense over the years. pic.twitter.com/0W51wU2fSs
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 13, 2025
Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Colts’ upcoming interview will happen on Friday with Allen, who’s arguably the top defensive coordinator candidate in this year’s coaching cycle and is expected to be a ‘hot commodity’ among other potential suitors.
During his three years as head coach of the Saints (2022-24), Allen compiled an 18-25 career head coaching record, having also previously served as the Oakland Raiders head coach (2012-14)—where he had an 8-28 record respectively.
That being said, the longtime Saints defensive coordinator (before being promoted to head coach and subsequently fired this year) had some very strong units down in New Orleans.
Here’s how his defensive units have fared in points allowed league wide since 2015:
- 2024: 19th* (fired after Week 9)
- 2023: 8th
- 2022: 9th
- 2021: 4th
- 2020: 5th
- 2019: 13th
- 2018: 14th
- 2017: 10th
- 2016: 31st
- 2015: 32nd
Right now, Allen appears to be ‘head-and-shoulders’ the best possible realistically available veteran defensive coordinator that the Colts have so far reportedly been linked to.
That being said, the Colts could present a bit of a precarious spot for any prospective defensive coordinator candidate with general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen likely facing a ‘make-or-break’ 2025 season in Indianapolis respectively—meaning a coaching staff could be completely overhauled at year-end if significant changes are made, with another consecutive campaign of unsuccessful results.
Allen is the type of proven veteran defensive coordinator though that any NFL head coach may like to have in the fold—whether it’s Steichen or eventually, someone else new. I would argue that he’s similar to longtime defensive coordinator Vic Fangio in this regard.
It’s not as though the Colts lack solid talent on the defensive side of the ball with DeForest Buckner, Zaire Franklin, Grover Stewart, Kenny More II, and other nice young pieces (and arguably underachieved with that core group this past year)—meaning there’s a decent foundation for Allen to work with and off of initially.
That could be enticing for his next coaching stop.
