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Redskins: 30 candidates who could potentially replace Jay Gruden as head coach

By Jacob Camenker

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 06: head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers calls a timeout in the fourth quarter during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on October 6, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 06: head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers calls a timeout in the fourth quarter during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on October 6, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – AUGUST 29: Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen of the New Orleans Saints reacts before an NFL preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on August 29, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – AUGUST 29: Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen of the New Orleans Saints reacts before an NFL preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on August 29, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Defensive Coordinator. New Orleans Saints. Dennis Allen. 19. player. 15.

Previously: 24

Allen could end up being a hot name on this list just as he was on the verge of being last year. The Saints defense had gradually improved for a third-straight season under his watch and he had overseen the development of a number of young defensive backs. His transformation of the Saints defense made him an interesting coaching candidate for a second go-round as the top dog.

Allen did have a head coaching stint with the Raiders from 2012-2014. At that point, Allen, 40, was one of the youngest coaches in the NFL and he struggled to succeed in that role. He went 8-28 over two-plus years in Oakland but has since revitalized his stock in New Orleans.

The Saints defense started the season slowly, but since that time, they have played much better. They are ranked top-10 both in yardage allowed and scoring defense, a fourth-straight year of marked improvement for the unit, and it just speaks about the impact that Allen has had on the team.

Allen has done well to develop talent at all levels of the defense. He helped quickly integrate Marshon Lattimore into the secondary and turn him into a solid player. Additionally, guys like Trey Hendrickson and Demario Davis have improved with the Saints under Allen’s watch. So, that type of development can’t be ignored.

Allen could draw some interest in Washington, but they may focus more on offensive coaching candidates. Still, if they like Allen’s body of work enough, they could give him a shot as a head coach to see if he has learned anything since his Raiders tenure ended five years ago.

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