The Raiders Are Finally Dancing to a New Tune While Also Taunting Their Rivals

The Oakland Raiders have found a new coach in Dennis Allen, the defensive coordinator of the Denver Broncos. Allen becomes the first defensive-minded head coach of the Raiders since John Madden was promoted from linebackers coach to head coach by Al Davis. Despite the change in culture to the team, this is a classic Raiders move, hiring coaches from rival teams. Allen is well-versed in the AFC West by this point, something that the Raiders will use to their advantage.


Dennis Allen has quickly risen through the coaching ranks. Here is his résumé:

• 1996-1999 Texas A&M University (Graduate Assistant coach)
• 2000-2001 Tulsa University (secondary coach)
• 2002-2005 Atlanta Falcons (defensive assistant/quality control coach)
• 2006-2007 New Orleans Saints (assistant defensive line coach)
• 2008-2010 New Orleans Saints (secondary coach)
• 2011 Denver Broncos (defensive coordinator)

Under Allen, the 2008-2010 Saints passing defense improved from 23rd to 4th in the league, and the 2011 Broncos total defense improved from 32nd to 20th in just one year. The Raiders are obviously hoping that Allen can help improve their defense from near the bottom, ranked 29th, to one of the best in the league. What is especially noteworthy about his defensive style is that the 2009 Saints ranked 3rd in turnovers and the 2011 Broncos ranked 5th in sacks.