Colts DC Candidates: Dennis Allen

Get to know one of the most sought-after defensive coordinator candidates of this hiring cycle.

Dennis Allen is one of, if not the, most sought-after DC candidates of the 2024 coaching carousel. The former head coach and defensive coordinator of the New Orleans Saints, Allen has made a name for himself by leading one of the more successful defenses of the past decade.

Background

Allen began his coaching career as a Graduate Assistant at his alma mater, Texas A&M, for four seasons before landing a job with Tulsa as their Secondary Coach. After joining Tulsa’s staff in 2000, Allen would stay for two seasons before making the jump to the NFL.

His NFL coaching career would start serving as both a Defensive Assistant and Quality Control Coach for the Atlanta Falcons. After a four-year stint in Georgia, Allen found himself in New Orleans for the first of two tenures.

During his initial tenure with the Saints, Allen was part of the defensive staff for five seasons. He would serve as the Assistant Defensive Line Coach for two years (2006-07) before elevating to the Saints’ Secondary Coach (2008-10) where he’d help play a part in winning Super Bowl XLVI against the Indianapolis Colts.

After this stretch in New Orleans, Allen spent his next four years as an NFL coach in the AFC West Division. Earning his first Defensive Coordinator gig, Allen spent his just one season in Denver before jettisoning to the then-Oakland Raiders as a first-time Head Coach.

Although it was a shaky start as a first time Defensive Coordinator and Head Coach, Allen returned to New Orleans to right the ship — and that he did, defensively that is.

Specializing in coaching defensive backs, Allen has become one of the most well-regarded defensive minds in the NFL since taking over as DC back in 2016.

Scheme

Allen’s defensive philosophy is rooted in the traditional 4-3 side of things. His base is that of closed-post coverage though Tampa and Quarters are utilized as he sees fit. Dime, Nickel, 4-2-5, 3-3-5, you name it, Allen’s likely tried it.

Allen’s influence and prioritization of versatility among the defensive backfield is evident when you pop the hood. Defensive backs in Allen’s scheme are required to do it all:

• change picture post-snap (late rotations, disguises, etc.)
• man coverage strengths
• hook defender at safety
• deep half principles
• backfield vision in zone
• blitz ability

Defenses under Allen are vast in their ability to show multiple fronts and coverages off of them. He’s also shown a strong ability to take advantage of mismatches based on personnel. Below is a fantastic example of Allen’s multiple scheme at work.

Something else that Dennis Allen’s defenses are known for at this point is his ability to get his unit off the field on money downs (aka 3rd/4th down). More specifically, his pressure calls in these high-leverage situations, which require the utmost discipline from those in coverage, may I add, are how Allen succeeds so much in this area.

When it comes to personnel matchups, Allen is multiple in that regard as well, though he has some typical calls that he likes to go to.

Versus 12 personnel (1 RB, 2 TEs): 4-3 personnel accompanied by an over front or 3 LBs

Versus 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE): 4-2 nickel

Versus 21 personnel (2 RBs, 1 TE): 4-3 personnel matched with bear or odd fronts

Defenses under Allen have largely been a disciplined unit. Players rarely get fooled on boots or screens and showcase a strong understanding of the game — well-coached indeed.

Statistically

Since becoming the Saints’ DC, as well as the eventual HC, Allen’s defenses have steadily been near the top of most metrics.

Allen has produced elite stretches in each of the following latter phases (red zone touchdown percentage, run defense, and 3rd down defense) but his defense’s scoring averages have been most consistent. The only time his Saints defenses have been ranked outside the Top 14 in scoring has been his first year as New Orleans’ DC and his last season as the team’s Head Coach.