With New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton having stepped down, the search begins for the next leader of the franchise. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has gained the respect of his team, fellow staff, and the league throughout his time in New Orleans. Because of that, he's considered the in-house favorite to land the head coach job as the heir to Payton. Allen's institutional history and knowledge are second to none with two culture-defining stints with the tea and head coaching experience. Allen's most important skills include innovation, scheme building, and development of talent. Once the personnel of the defensive roster matched Allen's vision, he turned a historically bad unit into a top-five defense. Could he do something similar as the leader of the entire team which just suffered a down year on the offensive side? His track record as a teacher and innovator are highlighted by the massive amount of respect he's earned during his tenure.Allen won't be the only in-house candidate for the team, however. Assistant head coach and defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen, defensive backs Kris Richard, and offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael all deserve a seat at the top to make their pitch as well. Why each one of them is uniquely qualified, if not for the head coaching position, for a move up that could be necessary if Dennis Allen takes over as head coach.Follow & Subscribe to the Locked On Saints Podcast on these platforms… ? Apple https://apple.co/3tzKxZe? Spotify https://bit.ly/lockedonsaints? Audacy https://bit.ly/3fbxW9B? Google https://bit.ly/3hmkmD6? Megaphone https://bit.ly/3y9ULmzFollow Locked On Podcast Network on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LockedOnNetworkCheck out all of our NFL Coverage:linktr.ee/lockedonnflFollow Ross on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RossJacksonNOLASupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Built BarBuilt Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.BetOnline AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus.OnlineGambling.comVisit onlinegambling.com/NFL to get the edge over the competition throughout this year’s Playoffs!GetUpsideJust download the FREE GetUpside App and use promo code TOUCHDOWN to get 25 cents per gallon or more cash back on your first tank. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices