5 things to know about new Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen

The Chicago Bears are hiring Dennis Allen as their defensive coordinator as new head coach Ben Johnson assembles his coaching staff.

Allen boasts 30 years of coaching experience between the NFL and the collegiate levels, where he's served in a number of roles -- everything from defensive quality control to defensive coordinator to head coach. Now, he comes to Chicago to lead a talented defense with some studs including cornerback Jaylon Johnson, defensive end Montez Sweat, defensive tackle Andrew Billings and linebacker T.J. Edwards. There's also some young talent in cornerback Kyler Gordon, safety Jaquan Brisker and defensive tackle Gervon Dexter looking to make strides.

Here are five things to know about Allen, the Bears' new defensive coordinator:

1. Allen has defensive coordinator experience

This is Johnson's biggest hire so far bringing an experienced defensive coordinator like Allen to the coaching staff. He previously served as defensive coordinator with the Denver Broncos (2011) and Saints (2015-21), where he led some dominant units (more on that below). Given Allen's experience as a defensive coordinator, it'll allow Johnson to simply hand over the defensive reins to Allen while he runs the offense. Given Allen runs a 4-3 defense, there won't be any major schematic changes for Chicago's defense.

2. Allen also served as an NFL head coach

Getting an experienced defensive coordinator to run the show is an important get for first-time head coach Ben Johnson, but Allen is an even bigger asset given his previous experience as a head coach in the NFL. Allen served as the Oakland Raiders head coach for three seasons (2012-14) and later the Saints (2022-24). During his stints with the Raiders and Saints, Allen went 26-53. But as Johnson makes the transition to head coach, where there will no doubt be ups and downs, it'll be paramount to have an experienced coach in Allen for him to lean on.

Allen is unlikely to get a third head coaching opportunity after his two failed stops, which means that there's little risk to him departing the Bears for another job. Not only will Chicago have stability on offense with Ben Johnson leading the team and offense, but they won't have to worry about losing Allen.

3. Saints defense thrived under Allen

While Allen struggled as a head coach on two separate occasions, he's a proven defensive coordinator who has had success on multiple occasions. In four of his last five seasons, Allen's defenses in New Orleans have been Top 10 in scoring. From 2018-24, Allen's defense ranked fifth-best in defensive EPA per play. Allen has been the best defensive play caller in the NFL, which bodes well for what he can do with a defense that already has a boatload of talent and just needs to shore up the defensive line.

4. Allen's speciality is defensive backs

Allen's track record as a defensive coordinator speaks for itself, as he's led a number of top-5 defenses. His specialty just happens to be defensive backs. Allen played safety in high school, college and one year in the NFL, and he's also served as a defensive backs coach with Tulsa (2000-01) and the Saints (2008–10). That's good news for the deepest group on the Bears roster featuring All-Pro cornerback Jaylon Johnson, cornerbacks Kyler Gordon and Tyrique Stevenson, as well as safeties Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard.

5. Allen won a Super Bowl with the Saints

Allen served as the secondary coach for the Saints during the team's Super Bowl run in 2010, which culminated in a 31-17 win over the Indianapolis Colts. In that game, one of his players had a game-changing play that helped secure the championship. Cornerback Tracy Porter picked off Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and returned it 74 yards for a touchdown that put the game out of reach by two scores.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears hire Dennis Allen: Things to know about new DC