Bucking the long tradition in Oakland of hiring offensive-minded head coaches, new Raiders General Manager Reggie McKenzie has officially named former Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen as the team’s new head coach.

The 39-year-old Allen was hired last week to replace Hue Jackson, who was fired after going 8-8 last season.

New general manager Reggie McKenzie said during a news conference on Monday that he was targeting Allen, who served one year as defensive coordinator for the division rival Broncos. McKenzie said he was “extremely impressed” by the young first year head coach’s two interviews.

Allen said he plans on fielding a team that is “smart, tough and disciplined,” this after the Raiders set an NFL record for penalties and yards penalized in 2011. He also said he hopes to bring an “aggressive, attacking style of defense” in 2012.

It is still unclear who will serve on Allen’s staff as both offensive and defensive coordinator.

Photo Credit: www.raiders.com

• Tag: Defensive Coordinator, Dennis Allen, New Head Coach, NFL, Oakland Raiders, Reggie McKenzie