Dennis Allen replacements: Ranking the Saints' top 8 coaching candidates from Bill Belichick to Lincoln Riley

The Saints' loss to the Panthers, their seventh straight and falling to last place in the NFC South, was the final straw for Dennis Allen's tenure as head coach. The 2-7 team decided to release Allen on Monday following Sunday afternoon's 23-22 Week 9 loss at Carolina.

The Saints started this season 2-0, but major offensive injuries and a massive defensive collapse have left them on a seven-game losing streak. In his two-plus seasons since being promoted from defensive coordinator to replace the retiring Payton, Allen posted an 18-25 record with the team, falling far short of some expectations of an NFC South win without one reference to the playoffs.

Although Allen's second stint as head coach was much better than his two-plus seasons with the Raiders a decade earlier (8-28), the bottom line is that the Saints underperformed with him before falling apart in his on-ball specialty.

With the Saints facing a significant rebuild in 2024, here's a look at the best full-time coaching options available to replace Allen:

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The Saints' top 8 coaching candidates for 2025

Bill Belichick, former Patriots coach (age 72)

Belichick needs to be considered for any interesting opening, and this would be a project for him not to retire to put together another winner in his image. The only way this could happen is if he also takes control of personnel, which would mean GM Mickey Loomis decides to resign or retire.

Klint Kubiak, Saints offensive coordinator (Age: 38)

He was the best choice to replace Allen in the meantime, and when his keyholes were healthy early in the season, he exerted a big influence on Derek Carr to make the offense more balanced and explosive, fitting in with the other top players by Kyle Shanahan Assistants go elsewhere. Kubiak also has good pedigree as the son of former Broncos QB turned Super Bowl 50 winner Gary Kubiak.

Aaron Glenn, Lions defensive coordinator (Age: 52)

Glenn last played as a star NFL cornerback in New Orleans in 2008. He should be selected in this coaching cycle as he heads to greater heights with Dan Campbell in '24.

Ben Johnson, Lions offensive coordinator (Age: 38)

Where there is a Glenn on the radar, there will also be Johnson. This is similar to the Colts with Nick Sirianni and Matt Eberflus or the Eagles with Shane Steichen and Jonathan Gannon. If Detroit fulfills its burgeoning NFC favorite promise and reaches the Super Bowl, Johnson should want to get to the best situation of his choice.

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Anthony Weaver, Dolphins defensive coordinator (Age: 44)

Weaver is a strong protégé of John Harbaugh, who cut his teeth with the Ravens, and like Glenn, he is a fiery former player who has become the players' favorite coach. Weaver would help transform the defense into a needed better scheme.

Bobby Slowik, Texans offensive coordinator (Age: 38)

Slowik will also be at Johnson's side and will eventually change teams as another playful prodigy. Either Johnson or Slowik would be ideal as a replacement for Derek Carr's groomed replacement, who will likely be a high first-round QB in the 2025 draft.

Joe Brady, Bills offensive coordinator (Age: 35)

Brady did well to whisper to Josh Allen and get him to reduce the number of interceptions, but at the same time not contain him. Brady got his big break in the NFL when Sean Payton hired him as an offensive assistant for the Saints. Before Allen, his best QB connection was at LSU in 2019, when Brady's plan as coordinator helped Joe Burrow have a top-notch Heisman passing season that culminated in a national title.

Lincoln Riley, USC coach (Age: 41)

An attempt is being made here to land the big fish from the ranks of the colleges. Riley's Trojans teams, whether with Caleb Williams or Miller Moss at QB, have failed to live up to lofty expectations and now face the further challenge of joining the Big Ten. From current Saints rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler to veterans like Jalen Hurts to Baker Mayfield, Riley once brought out the best in everyone. Riley might be more excited about a jump into the NFL given his West Texas roots if the Cowboys had another chance soon, but the Saints should continue to pursue it as a precaution.