Sean Payton‘s decision to leave the Saints post he held since 2006 gives the NFL nine HC vacancies. The other eight teams conducting searches can cross Payton off their respective lists, though it appears some of them were interested in the longtime New Orleans leader.
Payton said Tuesday he does not plan to coach during the 2022 season. However, other teams were interested in poaching the Super Bowl-winning coach, Dianna Russini of ESPN.com tweets. Those conversations figure to be relevant in the not-so-distant future. For now, one of modern NFL’s most accomplished coaches is off the market.
“I felt like 10 years went by and we talked about the other team for a lot, and I get it; I understand it. But no, my plans are not to be coaching in 2022. And that’s just how I feel,” Payton said. “… I still have a vision for doing things in football and, I’ll be honest with you, that might be coaching again at some point. I don’t think it’s this year. I think maybe in the future, but that’s not where my heart is right now. It’s not at all.”
Payton perhaps taking a sabbatical creates an interesting situation for various teams, particularly those who have been connected to the former Coach of the Year in the past. The Giants and Cowboys are two notable franchises who have been connected to Payton; each team employed Payton during the 2000s. Other teams will certainly be in the mix if the now-unattached coach plans to return to the sideline.
For the time being, Payton following his former quarterback into the television ranks seems likely. While Payton said he has not spoken to any networks yet, those discussions are likely coming. This would be interesting, given other coaches’ TV odysseys this century. Bill Cowher and Jimmy Johnson did not return to coaching after their respective agreements to join pregame shows. Jon Gruden and Bruce Arians did end up leaving the broadcast booth to come back, the latter doing so after just one season.
“I’ve had some opportunities,” Payton said of a TV career. “I talked to Drew [Brees] about it a little bit last night. I don’t know that part of it that well, but that would be something that would interest me.”
Awww now all the stupid Cowboys fans will have to fill another dream into that pipe…
When you know your QB sucks and it’s not gonna get any better….don’t blame him.
Until Jerry calls with checkbook in hand
And pays for him to get out of his contract in NO? He literally cannot go anywhere and is now saying he isn’t.
The sad delusion Cowboys fans talk themselves into…
He can go anywhere he wants, kid. As long as the Saints and the other team workout a trade.
Understand now?
TV pundits make big money for a fraction of the work and stress.
Jimmy Johnson and Bill Cowher both had equal or better resumes and could have returned to coaching anytime they wanted, but never did.
Did anyone see Tony Romo’s most recent TV contract? Easy decision for Payton. Travel two days a week, talk to a few folks, and then broadcast a game for the same money as an 80 hour week? Seems like a slam dunk.
Dallas HC in 2023
When the going gets tough, Sean Payton gets going. He’s nothing without Brees. Adios, you head hunting, overrated quitter… He’ll be coaching the Cowboys by the end of the week.
Sorry you think that, but he’s still a Saint.
Then why didn’t he retire before last season? Prior to Winston getting hurt, the quarterbacking on that team wasn’t much different than it was in 2020. While not as consistent, Winston possessed the arm strength Brees was lacking. I’m not sure if Brees’ retirement is as large of a factor in Payton’s sabbatical as it’s being made out to be