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METAIRIE, La. — Sean Payton has decided to step away as the New Orleans Saints’ coach after 16 years, a source confirmed to ESPN.
Payton is not necessarily retiring permanently but deciding to take a break after 16 seasons as the Saints’ coach, the source said.
It’s not immediately clear what Payton plans to do next. Sources have told ESPN that television networks have shown considerable interest in hiring him.
The news of Payton’s decision was first reported by NFL Network.
Payton, 58, has three years remaining on his deal with the Saints after signing his latest extension in 2019. So, the Saints would maintain his rights if he decides to return to coaching — and could require compensation if he wants to coach for another team.
In the meantime, the Saints will enter a new era after quarterback Drew Brees also retired before the 2021 season. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. could be considered among potential replacements for Payton, though New Orleans will certainly explore options outside of the building as well.
Payton made his mark as the winningest coach in Saints history and one of the NFL’s all-time great offensive minds. He and Brees arrived together in 2006 and led New Orleans to the first Super Bowl victory in franchise history in 2009.
Payton is tied for 21st in NFL history with 152 career victories, according to Pro Football Reference. His career record is 152-89 (.631 winning percentage), not including his season-long suspension in 2012 because of the league’s bounty investigation. Payton is 9-8 in the postseason.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Payton and the Saints rank first in NFL history in both points scored (27.6 per game) and yards gained (391.2 per game) among all coach-team combos with at least five seasons together.
The Saints missed the playoffs for the first time in five seasons with a 9-8 record in 2021. But in many ways it ranked among Payton’s most impressive coaching jobs considering…
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Source : espn
