Dennis Allen Expected To Return As Saints Head Coach In 2024
NEW ORLEANS -- After finishing the season 4-1 over the final five games, things always seemed to be heading in this direction for the New Orleans Saints. But during his end-of-year press conference, head coach Dennis Allen made it clear. The expectation is that he will be retained as the team's head coach in 2024.
New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen looks on against the Atlanta Falcons.
Jan 7, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen looks on against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Expectations were high in New Orleans that this team would be a playoff contender. Not realizing that potential deserves a long and in-depth look when it comes to what needs to improve.
With one of the league's easiest schedules and a bad NFC South division on their side, the Saints coming up short will lead to adjustments over the offseason. But the team's strong finish cemented that head coach will not be one of those adjustments.
Saints News Network asked Allen if he believes he will be back in 2024 and his answer was simple and straight to the point. "That is my expectation. Yes," he said. When asked what about the strong finish provides some kind of optimism going into next season, Allen highlighted the team's young core of offensive skill position players.
"The one touchdown on the fade route to A.T. Perry," Allen said. "And it's A.T. Perry, it's Rashid Shaheed, it's Chris Olave and it's Kendre Miller that are the core skill players that are on the field at that particular time. Having some of those young guys being able to step up, I think gives you confidence as you move forward."
The team's 9-8 finish sealed Allen's first winning season as a head coach. As a whole, he now holds a career win-loss record of 24-46, 16-18 in his two seasons with New Orleans.
There is a ton of optimism internally that the Saints will see further improvements next year. However, if those improvements do not show up, it is almost certainly Allen's last shot.
