LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen spent two tenures and 15 years with the Saints, holding several different job titles in New Orleans, including serving as head coach from 2022-'24.
Allen is now a key figure on the Bears’ staff under new head coach Ben Johnson. He joined the Bears after his time with the Saints came to a disappointing end, as he was fired as their head coach last November following New Orleans' 2-7 start to the 2024 season.
On Sunday, Allen will be on the opposite sideline from the Saints (1-5) as the Bears (3-2) seek their fourth straight victory. His focus is on his business in Chicago, not what happened previously in New Orleans.
“A lot of good experiences, a lot of good people, a lot of wins,” Allen said. “We were a part of a lot of success there. I’ve got fond memories of it, but this week is really all about let’s focus on the football. This is going to be about the players on the field, Bears versus the Saints, those guys will really determine the outcome of the game.”
Allen’s 15 years in New Orleans were separated by his three-year tenure with Oakland from 2012-'14, when he was head coach of the Raiders. He was fired following an 0-4 start to the 2014 season and then returned to the Saints in 2015.
Allen initially rejoined the Saints as a defensive assistant but was promoted to defensive coordinator by the end of the 2015 season. When head coach Sean Payton retired following the 2021 season, Allen was promoted to head coach.
During Allen’s tenure as head coach in New Orleans, the Saints went 7-10 in 2022, 9-8 in 2023 and had the 0-4 start in 2024 while working amid a salary cap crunch.
“I don’t think I’m going to go there,” Allen said when asked about the struggles in his tenure as Saints head coach. “Let’s just focus on what we’ve got going on now.”
Now 53, Allen is in a position with the Bears that’s more comfortable. He's unlikely to land an NFL head coaching job for a third time, but he has proved himself as a capable defensive coordinator. In working alongside the 39-year-old Johnson, Allen hopes to be part of continuity in Chicago.
Allen is leading a Bears defense that's starting to take shape under his watch after early struggles. The Bears allowed 21 points to the Vikings in the fourth quarter of a 27-24 loss to open the season. A week later, Chicago lost 52-21 at Detroit. Since then, the Bears defense has gotten healthier and is better fitting Allen’s vision. Chicago has allowed 20.7 points per game in its three-game winning streak since then.
For Johnson, who's in his first season as a head coach, Allen has been an important presence.
“Really, he’s been a godsend to me,” Johnson said. “He’s been incredible, not just from coordinating the defense, but he’s helped me every step of the way as well. So, very grateful for him to be here and everything that he’s done for this team up to date.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.