Former HC Sean Payton believes Saints will dethrone Buccaneers for NFC South crown

Sean Payton stepped down as head coach of the New Orleans Saints after the 2021 season, transitioning to a job with Fox Sports as a studio analyst for the 2022 NFL season. 

While technically a member of the media now, it's clear where Payton's allegiance lies when it comes to the rivalry between the Saints and defending NFC South champions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

In an interview with USA Today, Payton said he believes the Saints, not the Tom Brady-led Buccaneers, will take the division crown. 

Payton cited injuries as a major player in last season's division race, adding that this season's schedule benefits the Saints early on. 

"Atlanta's in transition. Carolina's in transition," Payton said. "No disrespect to those teams but I feel like it's a two-team race in that division. Will it be close? I'm sure it will be. But the coaching staff is intact with the same coordinators. There's a lot of continuity. And that team knows that it can beat Tampa Bay." 

While the 58-year-old will tackle a new television gig this season, he believes he'll eventually return to coaching. 

"Ultimately, do I think I'll get back in? Sure," Payton said back in July. "There's no way to predict who that club might be. Usually, there are about six openings every year. If there's a right fit somewhere, that ultimately will depend on several factors." 

Payton was linked to several head-coach openings this offseason, including the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Chargers and Miami Dolphins.