In the wake of the NFL’s second midseason coach firing taking place yesterday , the most highly-rated name not currently on the sidelines has come up again. Sean Payton remains the subject of speculation regarding his return to coaching, but the 58-year-old is remaining patient in weighing his options.
As detailed by Jeff Howe of The Athletic (subscription required), Payton has taken a liking to his new routine after stepping away from the Saints this offseason. That move led him to work as a Fox analyst this year, but, as confirmed in the interview with Howe, Payton is open to the idea of working as a head coach on an NFL sideline once again.
When speaking about his plans on that front, though, Payton said, “There’s no timeline or any of that. I’m sure at some point that’s going to happen.” The former Super Bowl winner is still under contract with the Saints, who would be in line for draft compensation from whichever team Payton chooses to join. On that point, he added, he will remain very deliberate and methodical in avoiding rebuilding situations.
“It would be the comfort level with ownership and the front office, with the leadership structure, with likeminded thinking,” Payton said of the circumstances describing his preferred destination. “Are more of those opportunities out there? I don’t think many. I think there are a lot of dysfunctional teams in our league. There are some places where talent can die. I just want to avoid those places.”
Last month, Payton’s name was attached to the Chargers, a team with high expectations and a first-time head coach in Brandon Staley who has put up middling results so far. Los Angeles could represent an intriguing destination for Payton based on his previously reported priorities relating to warm weather, a young core and authority on personnel decisions.
Casting further doubt on the notion that he will be back to coaching next spring, Payton added, “quite honestly, that next best job has to beat out the job I have now, which is pretty good.” Where that job will be, and when it becomes available, will remain worth watching into the offseason as the list of vacancies will likely increase.
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