NFL rumors: Former Saints HC Dennis Allen expected to sign with NFC franchise

Ben Johnson is reportedly close to signing Dennis Allen as his defensive coordinator. The Chicago Bears coaching staff could start to take shape as a recent report suggests he's working to fill out available spots.

Johnson joined the team this week, shortly after the Detroit Lions were eliminated by the Washington Commanders in the divisional round of the 2024 NFL playoffs.

According to Bears reporter Brad Biggs (via Daniel Coltun), Johnson is about to bring Allen to Solider Field.

“While no announcement has been made official, multiple sources believe former Saints and Raiders head coach Dennis Allen will be hired as defensive coordinator.”

Dennis Allen became the New Orleans Saints head coach in 2022 after Sean Payton walked away. He coached the team in 43 games, posting an 18-25 record before being dismissed earlier this season. After a painful 23-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers in November, the Saints fired him and named special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi as interim head coach.

New Orleans missed the playoffs two straight seasons, meaning Allen's job was in jeopardy entering the 2024 season. Not even adding Klint Kubiak to the coaching staff could move the needle for the Saints despite scoring 40-plus points in the first two games of the season.

Ben Johnson, an offensive-minded coach, looks to bring the Bears back to life with Caleb Williams leading the way. Allen proved to be a more than capable defensive coordinator in New Orleans and could work wonders at Soldier Field.

Before signing Dennis Allen, Ben Johnson revealed plans for Caleb Williams

Caleb Williams will enter his second NFL season with Ben Johnson as his second head coach following a tumultuous campaign with Matt Eberflus.

The former Lions coordinator is looking forward to working with his new quarterback and shared his excitement about it.

"We're going to have a great dialogue between each other and that goes to the quarterback as well," Johnson said on Thursday's edition of the "Breakfast Ball' show. "I'm so excited to get to work with Caleb. Got to visit with him already for a couple hours, and I'm just really waiting for this relationship to blossom because that's what it comes down to. He's got to trust me, and I'm going to trust Him, and this thing's going to work."

Williams had asked for an offensive coach to take over next and Ben Johnson is one of the best options they could find.