Saints GM on replacing Sean Payton: 'More important to get it right' than 'do it quick'

Sean Payton surprised much of the NFL world by announcing on Tuesday he was stepping down as head coach of the New Orleans Saints. He decided to take a break from the profession, a decision that had him linked with multiple would-be suitors even before the start of his farewell press conference. Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said during a Friday radio appearance he hasn't spoken with Payton about the week's events in an apparent attempt to pour cold water over the notion that he could try to trade for Payton's rights this winter. 

Somewhat lost in the shuffle has been the fact the Saints no longer have a head coach, let alone a one-time Super Bowl champion, guiding their roster. Former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores is one noteworthy candidate for the New Orleans gig, as is current Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. 

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis spoke with reporters about the hiring process on Friday. 

"I wouldn’t say that I have some drop-dead date," Loomis explained, per Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. "Obviously, you want to move the process around as quickly as possible and yet it’s more important to get it right than it is to do it quick. We’re going to be diligent about that." 

Meanwhile, Loomis called Allen "an excellent candidate" but added he's casting a wide net to find Payton's successor.