Dennis Allen’s workplace might not have changed, but his day-to-day digs will be getting an upgrade.
Before he left his introductory press conference earlier this week, he was asked whether he’d be changing offices in the Saints facility.
Allen smiled and said, “oh yea, I want the big office.”
And as Sean Payton explained during an interview on Super Bowl 56 Radio Row Friday alongside Jim Rome, it’s a bit more than just four wallks and a desk.
“The office is set up. It’s perfect. I cleaned it,” Payton said. "It’s a newer office. It’s got a bathroom in it.”
But the mechanics of that bathroom are also one of the words of wisdom the former Saints coach shared for his replacement in that room.
“It’s got a rigged, like Seinfeld shower head,” Payton said, laughing. "So just be careful that first time that you turn that water pressure on. That would be the warning I have.”
Of course, there were a few more serious pearls Payton dropped in the interview, all of which indicated he had immense confidence in Allen taking the reins with success. After all, Payton has seen Allen stand out the past half-decade as a defensive coordinator. The key requirements in those roles aren’t much different, but it is a broader set of responsibilities.
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“I think the No. 1 thing is be yourself and be comfortable in yourself. ... it doesn’t mean you don’t evolve and learn and take on a new role, but you still do it within the framework of what made you successful as a defensive coordinator," Payton said. "You obviously communicate well. You obviously relate to the players well. Continue that now and just be a team coordinator. You’ve been a defensive coordinator and I think that transition will be smooth."
But Payton wouldn't downplay the immense pressure, time and energy investment that goes along with being a head coach, and that was a major factor that drove his decision to retire this offseason.
He's still in an adaptive stage as he's now stressing about regular, human problems like playing bills on time and changing addresses. But that's what he was looking for -- that and a chance to try his hand at a broadcasting role, which he's confirmed is his goal despite rumors he's simply waiting out an opportunity to leap back into the head coaching waters elsewhere.
He even suggested maybe a year down the road, he'd be in the interviewer's chair on radio row, rather than the interviewee. But for now, he's sticking with his role as the advice-giver, and comfortable that his replacement will do him proud.
"Be yourself and be heads up for the shower," Payton said. "You’ll be good."
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