The Chicago Bears have named Ben Johnson as their new head coach, and their potential defensive coordinator alternative may create an fascinating storyline subsequent season.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter studies that Dennis Allen, lately dismissed because the New Orleans Saints head coach, is main the race for the defensive coordinator place.
Ben Johnson has been busy assembling a star-studded teaching employees. The main candidate to turn out to be his defensive coordinator in Chicago is former Saints HC Dennis Allen, per league sources. pic.twitter.com/iJCbMLJSLe
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 20, 2025
Allen’s departure from New Orleans got here after a disappointing 2-7 begin in 2024, however his earlier stint because the Saints’ defensive coordinator tells a unique story.
Throughout his tenure from 2015 to 2021, he constructed one of many NFL’s most formidable defensive items.
Beneath his steerage, gamers like Cameron Jordan, Marshon Lattimore, and Trey Hendrickson emerged as defensive stars, with the Saints’ protection rating among the many prime 5 in his closing two seasons.
Ought to Johnson convey Allen aboard in Chicago, he’d acquire greater than only a defensive coordinator.
Allen’s expertise as a head coach, regardless of a modest 26-53 report over 5 and a half seasons with the New Orleans Saints and Oakland Raiders, may show invaluable to the first-time head coach.
His understanding of the highest job’s calls for may assist Johnson navigate his transition into the position.
Allen’s teaching journey spans almost three many years, starting in 1996 at Texas A&M the place he served as a graduate assistant.
His NFL profession began with the Atlanta Falcons in 2002 as their defensive high quality management coordinator.
By subsequent roles with the New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos, Allen has established himself as one of many league’s revered defensive minds.
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