Report: Dennis Allen Set to Reunite with Sean Payton at Denver Broncos After New Orleans Saints Dismissal
In a surprising turn of events following his midseason dismissal from the New Orleans Saints, Dennis Allen appears set to join former colleague and head coach Sean Payton at the Denver Broncos. This reunion has generated significant buzz across the NFL, as the two worked together closely during Payton’s long and successful tenure with the Saints. Now, in Denver, Payton has been working to rebuild the Broncos, who have faced persistent struggles in recent seasons. Allen’s addition to the coaching staff marks a significant step in that ongoing effort.
The Path to the Reunion
Allen’s journey to this point has been eventful. After taking over the Saints head coaching role in 2022, he faced immediate challenges. Tasked with managing a team still adjusting to life without legendary quarterback Drew Brees, Allen struggled to develop a stable offense, even after securing veteran quarterback Derek Carr in the 2023 offseason. Under his leadership, the Saints demonstrated a strong defense—a hallmark of Allen’s career as a defensive coach—but inconsistent offensive performances and mounting losses made his position increasingly precarious.
The Saints’ decision to part ways with Allen during the 2024 season came as the team held a disappointing 2-7 record. Though Allen had shown promise as the Saints’ defensive coordinator under Payton and had led the unit to notable successes, the Saints were looking for a fresh start to reverse the downward trend in their standings. The midseason shakeup led to Allen’s departure, opening the door for him to pursue other coaching opportunities.
### Allen and Payton: A Productive Partnership in New Orleans
Allen and Payton’s partnership in New Orleans had been highly productive for nearly a decade. When Payton hired Allen as his defensive coordinator in 2015, the move was seen as a way to bolster the Saints’ defense, which had struggled in prior years. Allen quickly made an impact, transforming the defense into one of the more formidable units in the NFL, known for its aggressive schemes and emphasis on creating turnovers. During their tenure together, the Saints experienced multiple playoff appearances and division titles, a period of sustained success that had New Orleans consistently in the conversation as a Super Bowl contender.
Payton, now in his first season as head coach of the Denver Broncos, is reportedly keen on replicating that defensive success in Denver. Since taking over, Payton has been committed to revitalizing a Broncos team that had languished in recent years, and adding Allen to his staff could provide the defensive stability and leadership Payton has been seeking.
The Broncos’ Need for Defensive Revitalization
The Broncos have struggled defensively in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, with inconsistent performances and challenges in key games. By bringing in Allen, the Broncos may benefit from his expertise in defensive play-calling and his familiarity with Payton’s style and strategy. Known for his adaptability and for getting the best out of his defensive players, Allen is expected to bring a tough, disciplined approach to the Broncos’ defensive line.
Allen’s potential role in Denver has not been officially defined yet, though it’s likely he will assume a senior defensive position, potentially as a defensive coordinator or senior defensive assistant. His reunion with Payton could provide an immediate boost to the Broncos, as both share a familiarity and mutual respect developed through years of collaboration. In Denver, Allen will have access to talented players like Patrick Surtain II and Justin Simmons, who could thrive under his leadership.
### What This Means for the NFL
The reunion of Payton and Allen will likely have ripple effects across the league. As one of the more notable coaching tandems in recent Saints history, their partnership in Denver has the potential to strengthen the Broncos’ defense and bring them closer to playoff contention. The move also reflects a broader trend of former head coaches finding continued success in coordinator roles, leveraging their experience to support other teams.
In the bigger picture, Allen’s dismissal and subsequent hiring highlight the fast-paced, high-stakes nature of the NFL, where coaching roles can change in an instant. Both Allen and Payton now have an opportunity to revive the Broncos and re-establish themselves as one of the league’s most formidable coaching duos. For fans in Denver and New Orleans alike, the upcoming games will offer a chance to see whether the magic of the Payton-Allen partnership can be rekindled in a new city.
