Dennis Allen has a great deal of admiration for Derek Carr, and the former Saints head coach had nothing but words of respect for the former Saints starting quarterback following news of his retirement on Saturday.
Allen was also the head coach of the Oakland Raiders in 2014, Carr's rookie season.
"I mean, what a great individual," Allen's said, according to ESPN's Courtney Cronin. "I was there when we drafted him in Oakland, had a chance to coach him again as he matured there in New Orleans. I love Derek Carr. I haven’t spoken to him. Just saw that right before we walked onto the practice field today. He did a lot of good things and he was always somebody that was pleasant to be around in the building."
Allen is entering his first season as the defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears following his termination by the Saints during the 2024 campaign.
Bears DC Dennis Allen coached Derek Carr both in Oakland and New Orleans and called his experienced with the now-retired quarterback "outstanding."
"I mean, what a great individual. I was there when we drafted him in Oakland, had a chance to coach him again as he matured there…
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) May 10, 2025
Carr and Allen went 15-24 in two and a half seasons together. Carr was a four-time Pro Bowler, all with the Raiders before signing with New Orleans in 2023.