The Chicago Bears knew they had a good defense to build on. With Matt Eberflus gone, they had to find somebody capable of taking over as defensive coordinator. The search didn't last long. They secured former Raiders and Saints head coach Dennis Allen for the job. Allen has built a reputation for strong defenses going back over a decade. One would think he had plenty of options with so many coaching staffs being overturned this off-season. So why come to Chicago?
Allen offered a notable hint at his thinking during an interview with Chicagobears.com. Larry Mayer asked him a specific question that may have telegraphed his thinking.
Who's the toughest coach or player you've ever had to scheme against?
Oh, man, there have been so many good ones. Our head coach here [Ben Johnson] was about as good as they come. Sean Payton was always a real challenge to have to go against. Andy Reid has always been very tough to go against. So there's a lot of good coaches in our league. I don't know that I've ever gone into a game and said, 'that was an easy one.'
Johnson had reportedly reached out to Allen as far back as Christmas. The defensive coach had already enjoyed tons of success in New Orleans, working with another great offensive mind in Payton. He no doubt envisioned similar possibilities with Johnson.
Dennis Allen got an education from his new colleague last season.
Detroit and New Orleans met on December 3rd, 2023. Johnson put on an absolute clinic in the 1st quarter, piling up 21 points. The Saints tried digging out of the hole but ran out of time, falling 33-28. The Lions racked up 142 rushing yards and didn't turn the ball over. Such a well-balanced performance must've reminded Dennis Allen of Payton, who often did the same thing in New Orleans. When the two of them were together from 2015 through 2015, New Orleans had five winning seasons, made the playoffs four times, and reached a conference championship. It is a formula that works. Joining up with Johnson made plenty of sense. The only hurdle left is finding the players to fit their vision for the team.
