Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich. Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Byron Leftwich was said to be nearing a deal to become the next head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier this week, but the New Orleans Saints may want a say in the matter.

The Saints are suddenly searching for a new head coach after Sean Payton announced he is stepping away from the team. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Saints have requested permission to interview Leftwich.

Leftwich was drafted by Jacksonville in the first round back in 2003 and started 44 games for the Jags. He has spent the last two seasons working with Tom Brady, which has boosted his resume significantly. You can understand why Jacksonville would be intrigued by the idea of having him work with Trevor Lawrence.

It also makes sense that the Saints have interest in Leftwich. The 42-year-old has been the offensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the last three seasons, so he has experience in the NFC South.

Leftwich may end up with his choice of jobs this offseason.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Jets QB Aaron Rodgers insists focus has been football, not politics
Hurricanes general manager steps down, leaving front office in flux
Travis Kelce echoes Patrick Mahomes in response to controversial kicker
Cowboys QB Trey Lance details how he has changed since 49ers stint
Historic NCAA settlement reached allowing schools to pay players
Celtics dominate Pacers in Game 2, take 2-0 ECF lead
Cavaliers fire head coach J.B. Bickerstaff
Connor McDavid's 2OT goal gives Oilers win over Stars in Game 1
Rob Manfred hints at big change coming to MLB
Scottie Scheffler arrest case takes another weird turn with new video
QB Russell Wilson believes Steelers can 'do something special'
Pacers star suffers injury in ugly Game 2 loss
Watch: Jaylen Brown's big second quarter lifts Celtics to halftime lead
Broncos HC Sean Payton raves about one QB's progress at OTAs
North Carolina basketball snags instant-impact player via transfer portal
Rams GM shares details about Stetson Bennett’s absence
Perpetual Bulls trade candidate once more hitting the rumor mill
MLB announces host venues for 2026 World Baseball Classic
Knicks marquee trade acquisition could bolt in free agency
Pistons make decision on new president of basketball operations