Joe Woods will initiate defensive measures after Dennis Allen's dismissal

The New Orleans Saints' firing of Dennis Allen moves the coaching roster a bit, and one of the questions that came up was who would initiate defensive plays like Allen had done before. That question was answered during Monday's media release when interim coach Darren Rizzi announced that Joe Woods will take over those duties. This was the presumed outcome, as Woods is currently the Saints' defensive coordinator.

This is the first time in nearly a decade that the Saints have a new defensive player, as Dennis Allen has taken over since being promoted from senior defensive assistant to defensive coordinator at New Orleans in 2015. Previously it was Rob Ryan from 2013 to 2015 before moving to the Buffalo Bills shortly afterwards. We'll see how Woods performs in this new role, but ultimately the defense hasn't been exceptional lately, so if things get worse it would be tough.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Joe Woods will direct defensive players after Dennis Allen is fired