Future remains unclear for Saints HC Sean Payton

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Future remains unclear for Saints head coach Sean Payton

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 1/24/22

It appears even the New Orleans Saints aren't sure what Sean Payton's plans are for the 2022 NFL season.

Following reports over the weekend that the longtime Saints coach had yet to commit to returning to the sidelines next season, team owner Gayle Benson revealed to Fox 8 NOLA on Monday even she isn't sure what he's going to do.

"We'll find out soon enough, I guess," she said. "I don't think any of us know. But he'll let us know soon enough."

Saints owner Gayle Benson was asked about Sean Payton today @FOX8NOLA @oliviavidaltv pic.twitter.com/OyoYDjsqO0
— Sean FazendeFOX8 (@SeanFazendeFOX8) January 24, 2022

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Payton, 58, returned to the team's practice facility on Monday, but his presence doesn't reveal whether he plans to stay coaching the team or not.

"He's got some options," Rapoport points out. "He could take a step back, take a year to recharge after what has been a very difficult year. He could return. Or, he could go do television, and we know he's already been approached by a network."

From NFL Now: #Saints coach Sean Payton's future is unknown, per the team's owner. pic.twitter.com/bbHxZbFIo6
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 24, 2022

The Saints went 9-8 this past season, Payton's 15th campaign as their head coach. New Orleans is 152-89 over Payton's tenure with the team, reaching the playoffs nine times and winning a Super Bowl in the 2009 season.

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