NFL Rumors: Saints HC Dennis Allen 'on the hot seat,' rivals say as 2024 season begins | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats & Rumors

According to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, “New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen begins the season on the hot seat.”

Howe reported Monday that the mood in the NFL is that Allen will have to deliver in 2024 after two lackluster years at the helm.

To say that the 51-year-old was doomed to failure is probably an exaggeration, but when he took over before the 2022 season, he was not exactly in a good position.

Allen succeeded Sean Payton, the best coach in franchise history, and inherited an offense that still lacked a viable solution at quarterback after the retirement of Drew Brees. General manager Mickey Loomis' creative maneuvering with the salary cap also has its day.

The head coach's problem is that he has not given many reasons for optimism in the future.

New Orleans failed to capitalize on the fact that the NFC South was the NFL's worst division in 2022 and 2023, missing the playoffs both years. And last season ended with Allen apologizing to the Atlanta Falcons for a late touchdown in a 48-17 rout of the Falcons, a moment that, no matter how you look at it, didn't look good.