Dennis Allen becomes the 18th head coach in the 52-year history of the Oakland Raiders. At age 39, Allen is the youngest current head coach in the NFL. Dennis Allen previously coached for the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, Tulsa University and his alma mater, Texas A&M University. Allen was the Denver Broncos defensive coordinator in 2011. Under his guidance, the Broncos defense improved from 29th in average yards allowed to 20th and from 32nd in points to 24th. Allen also has coached the secondary and defensive line during his 10-year NFL coaching career. He has spent time with the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints and Broncos. It's defense where the Raiders need the most work, and that happens to be Allen's specialty. The Raiders allowed 31 touchdowns passes last season, 5.1 yards per carry and the third-most points in franchise history (431). Allen employed a 4-3 defensive scheme with the Broncos last season. McKenzie said he favors whichever scheme works best.For now, the Raiders personnel is best suited to running the 4-3. In 2002, Allen's first year with the Falcons, when he assisted in coaching the defensive backfield, the club tied for third in the NFL with 24 interceptions and improved from 30th vs. the pass in 2001 to 16th the following year. Over his last two years in Atlanta, the Falcons' defensive line was the anchor of the defense. In 2004, Atlanta led the NFL for the first time in club history with 48 sacks and the unit sent DE Patrick Kerney to the Pro Bowl. In 2005 DT Rod Coleman represented the club in the postseason all-star game and the Falcons notched 37 sacks. In 2006, Allen was in charge of the Saints' defensive line, who combined for over 290 tackles, 28.5 sacks, six forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries. The season was highlighted by the Pro Bowl selection DE Will Smith. On January 24, 2011, Allen was hired by the Denver Broncos to become their Defensive Coordinator.