3 strengths and 2 weaknesses of Dennis Allen heading into 2023
• He can draw up a defensive game plan as well as anyone
• There are still concerns on offense
By Randy Gurzi
Weakness: Has yet to put together a winning season
The NFL is a bottom-line business. There's a lot that matters when it comes to coaching and leading the players but in the end, every coach is only as good as their record.
For Dennis Allen, that's been a problem. He's well-respected due to his defensive prowess but he has yet to put together a winning season in the NFL as a head coach. In fact, his 7-10 record with New Orleans in 2022 is the best record he's had to date.
Allen spent two and a quarter seasons with the Oakland Raiders from 2012 through 2014. He was 4-12 in each of his first two campaigns and then found himself out of a job following an 0-4 start in 2014. Finishing with a record of 8-28 overall, he didn't get another shot again until this past season and now has a record of 15-38 in his career.
This year, the expectations for New Orleans are much higher than they were in 2022. They now have a $150 million quarterback and the division is wide open. Following the retirement of Tom Brady, the Saints will be facing Bryce Young, Desmond Ridder, and Baker Mayfield (or Kyle Trask) twice this year. They're by far the most well-rounded team and are favored to win the NFC South.
That adds pressure on a coach who has yet to learn how to win consistently in the NFL in this role.