Dennis Allen to Raiders: Rookie Coach Will Snap Oakland's Playoff Drought

You know the last time the Oakland Raiders hired a head coach with a defensive background?

All the way back in 1969.

Guess: Who was the head coach?

That's right, John Madden.

Nobody is expecting new hire Dennis Allen to become the next John Madden in Oakland, but by hiring a defensive mind, the Raiders finally are on the right track.

This season, the Raiders finished with an 8-8 record under head coach Hue Jackson, the same record they finished with under former head coach Tom Cable in 2010. They showed promise offensively, but their defense appeared to get worse as the season progressed, trying to make up for the loss of cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha in the offseason.

That's why Allen, the Denver Broncos defensive coordinator this season, is a wise choice to get back to the playoffs.

Allen helped a young defense rise in Denver this season after the Broncos gave up a league-worst 29.4 points per game in 2010. The Broncos increased their sack total from 23 to 41 this season and improved in points allowed and total yards allowed.

With Allen, the Raiders not only have an impressive young coach who is hitting his stride, they just stole him away from their AFC West rivals, meaning the Broncos now have to find a different defensive coordinator right after improving under the 39-year-old.

The Raiders gave up 27.1 points per game and 251.4 passing yards per game this season. With their playoff hopes on the line in Week 17, they allowed the San Diego Chargers to score 38 points and Philip Rivers to throw for 310 yards and three touchdowns.

Allen gives the Raiders the defensive mind they need, and it has them looking good headed into next season.