2024 season could finally seal Dennis Allen's fate

Following Sean Payton's shocking retirement in early 2022, the New Orleans Saints turned to defensive coordinator Dennis Allen to run the team. Things have been shaky under Allen's tutelage with the Saints missing the playoffs in both of his seasons at the helm.

It goes without saying that 2024 is a do-or-die year for Allen. He's entering his third year as the Saints head coach and if the team fails to make the playoffs again this year, no one would blame management for cutting him loose and going in a different direction.

Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports had Allen third on his list of coaches who are on the hot seat.

"Like Todd Bowles in the NFC South, Allen remains a respected defensive mind, forever capable of forcing a physical and/or low-scoring contest. Unlike Bowles, he's yet to guide his own playoff bid, leaning conservative as a crunch-time decision-maker to barely keep New Orleans above water. In four and a half years as a head man dating back to his time with the Las Vegas Raiders, Allen's gone just 24-46, even though his current squad has prioritized win-now pieces over long-term rebuilding. It's probably playoffs or bust for both he and Derek Carr."

- Cody Benjamin

2024 is a make-or-break year for Dennis Allen

Benjamin couldn't help but point out Allen's overall head coaching record, dating back to the mid 2010s when he was the head coach of the Raiders. He didn't do well leading the Raiders, which led to him becoming the defensive coordinator of the Saints and now their head coach.

Maybe the Saints aren't planning to cut ties with Allen if he leads the team to another disappointing season but fans will definitely be expecting it and hoping for it to happen. Sometimes guys are great coordinators but they don't necessarily have what it takes to be a head coach. If the Saints have another lackluster year in 2024, Allen will firmly be in that category.