The New Orleans Saints are hiring Dennis Allen as a senior defensive assistant.

Allen was fired last season as Oakland Raiders head coach.

Allen's arrival is expected to put pressure on defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

If the Saints' defense doesn't improve, Allen, who went 8-28 as a head coach, could eventually replace Ryan.

Allen was a secondary coach previously with the Saints.

The Saints ranked 31st in total defense last season.

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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun