Former New Orleans Saints Head Coach Dennis Allen Lands New Job as Defensive Coordinator for Chicago Bears
In an exciting development for the Chicago Bears, former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen has officially been hired to serve as the team’s new defensive coordinator. This move comes shortly after the Bears hired Ben Johnson as their head coach, signaling the team’s intention to overhaul its coaching staff and improve both sides of the ball heading into the 2025 NFL season.
Dennis Allen’s hiring is a strategic move aimed at bolstering the Bears’ defense, which has shown flashes of promise but has struggled with consistency in recent years. Allen’s vast experience as both a head coach and a defensive coordinator in the NFL will provide the Bears with a veteran leader to guide their defense, helping the team take the next step in its quest to return to playoff contention.
Dennis Allen’s Coaching Background
Dennis Allen, 53, brings a wealth of coaching experience to his new role with the Bears. Over the course of his career, Allen has held various coaching positions, including stints as a defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos and the New Orleans Saints. His first significant NFL coaching job came in 2011, when he was hired as the defensive coordinator for the Broncos. In this role, Allen helped guide a Broncos defense that ranked among the league’s best, laying the foundation for a long and successful career.
In 2012, Allen made the jump to head coach with the Oakland Raiders, but his tenure was rocky, and he was let go after a 4-12 season in 2014. After his time with the Raiders, Allen returned to the defensive coordinator ranks, this time with the Saints. His defense helped New Orleans become a perennial playoff contender, and Allen’s defensive schemes were praised for their aggressiveness and ability to create turnovers.
During his time in New Orleans, Allen’s defenses were consistently among the top in the league, particularly in 2018 when the Saints ranked 4th in the NFL in total defense. He also developed standout players like cornerback Marshon Lattimore and defensive end Cameron Jordan, who became cornerstones of the Saints’ defensive unit. However, despite his success as a coordinator, Allen was given the chance to take over as the head coach of the Saints in 2022 following the departure of Sean Payton.
While Allen’s tenure as head coach of the Saints was short-lived, he did have some positive moments. His defensive knowledge and leadership were widely respected, and many believed that Allen could eventually return to the role of defensive coordinator after his time as head coach. Following a disappointing 2-7 start to the 2024 season, the Saints decided to part ways with Allen, and he became a sought-after coaching candidate once again.
Allen’s hiring by the Chicago Bears marks his return to the role of defensive coordinator, and his vast experience, both as a head coach and coordinator, makes him an ideal candidate to help the Bears’ defense reach its full potential.
The Chicago Bears’ Coaching Overhaul
The hiring of Dennis Allen is the latest development in the Chicago Bears’ significant coaching overhaul. Just last week, the Bears made waves by hiring Ben Johnson as their new head coach. Johnson, a former offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, was one of the most highly sought-after coaching candidates on the market. Johnson’s decision to take the Bears’ head coaching job was influenced by the opportunity to work with 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, the talented quarterback who is expected to be a franchise-changing player for the Bears.
While Johnson is tasked with rebuilding the Bears’ offense, he is also committed to strengthening the defense, which has long been a hallmark of the Bears’ identity. Chicago has had some success on defense over the past decade, but injuries and inconsistency have hindered the unit’s performance. With the addition of Dennis Allen, the Bears now have one of the most experienced defensive minds in the NFL to help guide their defense into a new era.
Johnson’s coaching staff in Chicago is beginning to take shape, and it’s clear that he is bringing in experienced and respected coaches from around the league. In addition to Allen, Johnson has hired a strong supporting cast to help develop both sides of the ball. Here are the confirmed members of the Bears’ coaching staff:
- Head Coach: Ben Johnson
- Assistant Head Coach: Antwaan Randle El
- Offensive Coordinator: Declan Doyle
- Quarterbacks Coach: JT Barrett
- Wide Receivers Coach: Antwaan Randle El
- Defensive Coordinator: Dennis Allen
- Defensive Backs Coach/Passing Game Coordinator: Al Harris
- Special Teams Coordinator: Richard Hightower
This coaching staff brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Bears. Ben Johnson, known for his innovative offensive schemes in Detroit, now has a coaching staff full of talent to help him develop a well-rounded team. With Dennis Allen leading the defense, the Bears can expect a tougher, more disciplined unit that can match up against some of the league’s most potent offenses.
Dennis Allen’s Impact on the Bears’ Defense
Dennis Allen’s appointment as defensive coordinator for the Bears could be a game-changer for the team’s defense. The Bears’ defense has traditionally been one of the most respected units in the NFL, but in recent years, it has struggled to maintain its dominance. Allen’s experience as a defensive coordinator for the Broncos and Saints, where he oversaw some of the league’s top defenses, should bring an added level of discipline and aggressiveness to the Bears’ defense.
Allen is known for his ability to create pressure on the quarterback and generate turnovers, two areas where the Bears have been inconsistent in recent seasons. Under Allen, expect to see a defense that plays with a high level of intensity, with an emphasis on forcing mistakes and capitalizing on opponents’ weaknesses. He will also work closely with standout players like linebacker Roquan Smith and defensive lineman Justin Jones, helping them maximize their potential and make an impact on the field.
Allen’s track record of developing defensive talent is well documented, and his ability to coach up young players will be crucial for the Bears, who have a number of promising young defensive stars. His leadership and defensive knowledge could be the catalyst the team needs to return to the top of the NFC North.
A New Era for the Chicago Bears
With Ben Johnson at the helm and Dennis Allen running the defense, the Chicago Bears are entering a new era of coaching and team-building. The hiring of these experienced coaches is a clear indication that the Bears are committed to creating a championship-contending team. The addition of a defensive mastermind like Allen should make the Bears’ defense a formidable force in the NFC, and Johnson’s offensive expertise will help develop a dynamic, high-scoring unit that can keep up with the league’s best teams.
The pressure is on for both Johnson and Allen to deliver immediate results, particularly with a quarterback like Caleb Williams now in the fold. While the offense will need to evolve and develop under Johnson’s guidance, the defense must be equally as effective to ensure the Bears are competitive in a tough NFC North division. With Allen’s leadership, the Bears’ defense is poised for a significant turnaround.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on Chicago to see how this new-look coaching staff leads the Bears into a new era. If the combination of Ben Johnson’s offensive acumen and Dennis Allen’s defensive expertise can come together, the Bears could emerge as a legitimate playoff contender in the coming years. The future is bright in Chicago, and the 2025 season will be the first step in what promises to be an exciting journey for the team and its fans.
