The New Orleans Saints reviewed all the options available, but in the end their next head coach will be the one who was in the building all along: Dennis Allen.
The Saints informed Allen, who had served as the defensive coordinator each of the past six seasons, of the decision on Monday, source confirmed to WWL Radio. The news was first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The decision comes nearly two weeks removed from longtime head coach Sean Payton's decision to retire, and after an exhaustive search and interviews with more than a half-dozen candidates, most recently Kansas City Chiefs OC Eric Bienemy, who reportedly interviewed for more than 8 hours earlier this week. Interviews were also conducted with Doug Pederson, who was hired by the Jaguars, former Dolphins coach Brian Flores, and Lions DC Aaron Glenn. The team had also requested an interview with Bucs OC Byron Leftwich, though it's unclear if that interview ever took place.
But Allen appeared to be the frontrunner from the get-go, and will now get a second chance as a head coach after his initial run with the then-Oakland Raiders ended after two-plus seasons and a record of 8-28. The defensive-minded coach has been the architect of an improved, steady and often dominant defense in his run as the team's DC, helping to strip the defensively challenged label that had haunted the team in the year's prior to his arrival in that role.
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Decisions will remain on the offensive side of the ball, however, with Payton's offensive mind having left the building. Longtime offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael appeared a candidate to potentially take on the role of HC, but he removed his name from consideration. He'll be a candidate to remain in that role, with the biggest question likely coming at play-caller, a role that Payton held during his run with the team. Carmichael has shined in that role however, calling plays twice in relief -- including during a 9-0 shutout of the Bucs during the 2020 season with Payton sidelined due to COVID, a game in which Allen served as the head coach. Carmichael also called the plays during the 2012 season with Payton suspended.
The Saints hire also represents the final head coaching vacancy filled in one of the busiest offseasons in recent memory in that regard. Nine teams have now filled head coaching vacancies, with Lovie Smith hired by the Texans earlier Monday.
The Saints had yet to officially announce the decision as of 5:30 p.m. Check back for updates.
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