Dennis James Allen is an American football Defensive Coordinator for the Chicago Bears, as of March 2025. Over his NFL coaching career, he has coached several teams, including the Oakland Raiders, Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, and Atlanta Falcons.

Before entering the NFL, he also coached at Texas A&M University and the University of Tulsa. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Allen grew up in Hurst, Texas, near Fort Worth, where he attended L. D. Bell High School. During his collegiate career, he played football for the Texas A&M Aggies, representing Texas A&M University.

Dennis Allen's Personal Information

Dennis Allen's Early Life

Allen was born on September 22, 1972, and is 52 years old, as of March 2025. His father, Grady Allen, was an American NFL player who played linebacker for the Falcons. During his formative years, Allen played football at L. D. Bell High School. After graduation, he committed to playing collegiate football at Texas A&M University, where he played as a safety and graduated with a B.B.A. in Management from Texas A&M’s Mays Business School in 1995. In 1998, he earned a Master’s degree in Kinesiology from the A&M College of Education.

Dennis Allen's Net Worth

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Allen has an estimated net worth of $20 million, as of March 2025.

Dennis Allen Contract and Salary

Though Allen's current salary or contract is not publicly available, according to Celebrity Net Worth, Allen signed a four-year deal worth $32 million with the Saints in February 2022. Under this contract, received an average annual salary of $8 million.

Dennis Allen Coaching History

Texas A&M (1996–1999)

Allen started his coaching career as a graduate assistant under head coach, R. C. Slocum, at Texas A&M from 1996 to 1999.

Tulsa (2000–2001)

Allen served as the secondary coach at Tulsa University from 2000 to 2001.

Atlanta Falcons (2002–2005)

Allen’s career in the NFL began when he served as the defensive quality control coach at Atlanta Falcons from 2002-2003. Eventually, he was promoted to defensive assistant in 2004 and held the position for two seasons.

New Orleans Saints (2006–2010)

In 2006, Allen joined the New Orleans Saints as the assistant defensive line coach and held the position for three years. Eventually, he was promoted to secondary coach in 2008 and was part of the coaching staff which led the Saints to a Super Bowl victory against the Indianapolis Colts in 2009. During his three-year tenure as a secondary coach, the Saints ranked 3rd in interceptions despite giving up 321 yards per game.

Denver Broncos (2011)

In 2011, Allen was appointed as the defensive coordinator of the Denver Broncos. That year, the Broncos defense was 5th in the league in sacks.

Oakland Raiders (2012–2014)

On January 12, 2012, Oakland Raiders general manager, Reggie McKenzie, appointed Allen as the head coach, in hopes of revolutionizing the defense of the Raiders’ system. However, after two losing seasons and four straight losses at the beginning of the 2014 NFL season, Allen was fired from his position as head coach.

New Orleans Saints- Second stint (2015- 2024)

On January 20, 2015, Allen rejoined the Saints as their senior defensive assistant but was promoted to defensive coordinator after Rob Ryan was fired later that year.

After serving as the DC for seven years, Allen was named the head coach of the Saints before the 2022 NFL season, as his predecessor, Sean Payton, announced his retirement. As of October 2024, the Saints under Allen’s tenure have a combined record of 18-20.

Chicago Bears (2205 - Present)

Allen joined the Chicago Bears as the Defensive Coordinator in 2025, as he entered his 30th season coaching, as per the official Chicago Bears website.

Dennis Allen's Playing Career

Texas A&M (1992–1995)

Allen attended Texas A&M University, where he played as a safety from 1992 to 1995. During his time there, he recorded 8 interceptions for 55 yards, according to Sports Reference. He also earned Second-Team All-SWC honors in 1994.

Buffalo Bills (1996)

Allen signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent, after going undrafted in the 1996 NFL Draft but was released during training camp.

Dennis Allen's Achievements & Awards

As a secondary coach, Allen became a Super Bowl champion with the Saints, winning Super Bowl XLIV in 2009 by defeating the Indianapolis Colts 31-17. His head coaching record in the regular season is 26 wins and 48 losses, giving him a winning percentage of .351.

Dennis Allen Coaching Tree

Allen worked as an assistant coach under Dan Reeves, Jim L. Mora (Jr.), Sean Payton, and John Fox before becoming a head coach. He spent twelve years as an assistant on Sean Payton's coaching staff. (via Pro Football History)

Dennis Allen Father

Grady Lynn Allen, Dennis Allen’s father, was an American football linebacker in the NFL, who spent five seasons with the Atlanta Falcons from 1968 to 1972. Despite going undrafted in the 1968 NFL Draft, he played as a reserve linebacker in 59 games for the Falcons during his career. Before joining the NFL, he played as a defensive end for Texas A&M from 1965 to 1967.

Grady Allen was honored by being added to the Texas A&M Hall of Fame in 1995. In 2006, he also led the Texas A&M Lettermen's Association as its president. He was born on January 1, 1946, in San Augustine, Texas, and passed away on December 4, 2012, in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 66 due to cardiac arrest.

Dennis Allen Wife

As of October 2024, Allen is married to his wife, Alisson Allen. The couple tied the knot in 1997 and have two children together.

Dennis Allen Kids

Dennis and Alisson Allen are parents to two children, a son named Garrison and a daughter named Layla.

Garrison Allen

According to his Instagram account, @garrison_allen, Garrison Allen is a cinematographer, editor, and colorist. He primarily works in music videos and social media advertising. Notably, he made appearances in Hit Man (2023) and Queen Sugar (2016).

Layla Allen

According to Tulane University’s official website, Layla Allen is one of the top five recruits on Louisiana's Women's Swimming and Diving roster. She won the LHSAA Louisiana D1 State Championship three times in the 100 free, 200 free, and 500 free events. Additionally, she is a two-time Louisiana State Champion in the 1000 and mile races. During her high school years, she attended Mandeville High School in her hometown of Mandeville, Louisiana.