Potential Impact of Dennis Allen Relationships on New Orleans Saints Coaching Hires
If Dennis Allen plays a significant role in changing the offensive coaching staff of the Saints, keep an eye out for these unexpected names.
In his first season as head coach, the New Orleans Saints finished 7-10 in 2022 under Dennis Allen. Allen made significant changes to his defensive coaching staff that season, even though his defense ranked in the top five.
The Saints fired both highly regarded coaches, Ryan Nielsen and Kris Richard, who were the co-coordinators. It’s interesting to note that Allen was a former associate of every new coach hired for 2023.
In 2014, Joe Woods, the defensive coordinator, coached defensive backs for the Oakland Raiders under Dennis Allen.
Marcus Robertson was the assistant secondary coach for that 2014 Raiders team before being called in to teach the New Orleans defensive backs.
Allen was a defensive back for Texas A&M in 1993, and even the TE coach, Clancy Barone, was an offensive assistant there.
In 2011, while Allen was the team’s defensive coordinator, Barone was also the Denver Broncos’ tight end coach.
Let’s go back to 2023. Despite having a stronger final record (9-8), the Saints were unable to make the playoffs for the third consecutive season.
Along with senior offensive assistant Bob Bicknell and wide receiver coach Kodi Burns, longtime offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael was let go.
Barone and offensive line coach Doug Marrone, who worked with Allen on Sean Payton’s first New Orleans staff in 2006 and 2008, are still in place as of right now.
Thus far, the Saints have asked to speak with offensive coordinator Shane Waldron of the Seahawks, QB coach Dan Pitcher of the Bengals, and QB coach Zac Robinson of the Rams.
In the upcoming weeks, there will undoubtedly be additional applicants for the offensive coordinator position as well as other staff roles.
Don’t be shocked if the Saints talk with a few coaches who have previously worked with Allen, as recent history often serves as a guide. These are some names to be aware of.
Callahan, Brian
August 1, 2022: During a training camp session, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Brandon Allen (8) speaks with offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, left. Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports Kareem Elgazzar
For the past five seasons, Callahan has served as the offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Bengals are stacked with weapons, including QB Joe Burrow, WRs Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, and RB Joe Mixon. They work with offensive-minded head coach Zac Taylor.
In 2010, Callahan, then 39 years old, started as an offensive quality control coach with the Denver Broncos. In 2011, Dennis Allen was Denver’s defensive coordinator, and he was part of the staff.
Even with Burrow out for the final seven games of the season, former undrafted quarterback Jake Browning kept Cincinnati running smoothly.
This has elevated Tom Pitcher’s stature and established Callahan as a serious contender for head coaching.
The Saints’ chances of acquiring Brian Callahan—who might wind up as a head coach—seem extremely slim.
If not, Callahan might be enticed to New Orleans with the promise of an associate head coaching position and, for the first time in his career, total command of an offense.
