Saints Coach Dennis Allen Goes Viral After Making Startling Admission Ahead of 2024 Season

With just weeks before the kick off to the 2024 NFL season, head coaches across the league have plenty to contend with, such as building their rosters, cutting down to 53 players by the regular season. However, learning the meaning of common words typically isn’t one of them.

While speaking to the media on Tuesday after practice, New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen delivered what is already one of the most surprising coaching quotes of the season—and we're only going into Week 2 of the preseason.

The video below doesn’t include the question Allen was responding to, but it captures what appears to be a bad lapse by the third-year head coach—though it may only be offensive to Saints fans.

"I'm going to leave the metaphors to you guys," Allen said. "What is a metaphor? Like, what's the official definition of metaphor?"

One of the reporters to Allen's left then provided the definition. Allen simply responded, "Okay, I got it."

This moment quickly sparked a viral reaction from NFL fans.

Allen is already entering the 2024 season on shaky ground. He's been ranked as one of the top head coaches on the hot seat.

Since taking over for former Super Bowl-winning coach Sean Payton, who is now with the Denver Broncos, Allen has compiled a 16-18 record with the Saints. Including his time with the Las Vegas Raiders (then Oakland), the 51-year-old holds a 24-46 career record. It wasn't until last season that he earned his first winning season at 9-8.

Allen has been regarded as one of the best defensive coaches in the league. Last season the Saints ranked 13th in total defense and 8th in scoring defense, allowing 19.2 points per game. They were also ranked 8th in red zone defense and 4th in third down defense.

The offense has been considered the problem for New Orleans, who have yet to figure out how to replace future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees. The team signed Derek Carr last offseason, reuniting him Allen, after the Raiders released the veteran quarterback. The team finished last year with the No. 9 scoring offense in the league, yet were 18th in red zone offense.

The Saints won their first preseason matchup over the Arizona Cardinals, 16-14. They face the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, Aug. 18, then the Tennessee Titans at home on Aug. 25 to finish the preseason.

For now, Allen will need to avoid further fumbles—both on the field and with his figures of speech—if he hopes to navigate this season successfully.