By Niles Carpenter, Saints Contributor

New Orleans Saints Head Coach Dennis Allen hasn’t impressed the Who Dat Nation much since he was named the team’s leader following Sean Payton’s departure. Critics have been vocal about the team’s underperformance, especially given the relatively weak competition in the NFC South during the 2023 season. Allen’s inability to implement effective offensive strategies was a key factor in the team’s failure to reach the postseason. At times, he seemed perplexed by the issues plaguing the team, including low morale, lack of accountability, and poor attention to detail, which were glaringly evident throughout the season.

Jarrett Bailey from USA Today’s Touchdown Wire ranked Allen No. 32 out of 32 NFL head coaches, describing him as “the head coaching version of sitting on a whoopie cushion.” According to Bailey, the Saints have been “dreadfully boring with no sense of direction” since Payton left. Over the last two seasons, the team has a 16-18 record and is stuck in quarterback purgatory with Derek Carr, who is not seen as the long-term solution. Bailey suggests that the Saints’ best option would be to start rebuilding in 2025, though this move would be long overdue.

In response to the criticism, Allen has changed his approach during the team’s OTA’s, emphasizing “attention to detail and accountability” as focal points for the 2024 season. He dismissed external expectations, stating, “I could care less what the expectations are outside this building.” However, someone might need to remind him that fan support is crucial, and if the Who Dat Nation stops showing up, it could spell doom for him in 2024. Despite the challenges, Allen has revamped his offense with the addition of former 49ers OC Klint Kubiak. The new coaching staff might turn the tide and help New Orleans get back to winning, but until then, the majority of the fan base remains in a wait-and-see mode after three seasons in playoff purgatory.