Sean Payton is already putting together coaching staff for potential return

Former New Orleans Saints head coach is reportedly preparing for a return to the NFL sidelines and starting to piece together a coaching staff, according to a Saturday morning report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.

One of the potential coaching candidates for Payton's staff is said to be former Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio as a defensive coordinator. 

Payton coached the Saints for 15 years between the 2006 and 2021 seasons, compiling a 152-89 regular season record and winning a Super Bowl during the 2009 season. 

The Saints are 5-9 going into this weekend's games in their first year without Payton.

If Payton does decide to return he will be the top head coaching candidate on the market. The Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers have already fired head coaches this season and are finishing the year with interim coaches. Teams like Arizona and Denver might also be in the market for new coaches following disappointing seasons. 

The New York Jets might be another wild card given the way their season has trended in the second half of the season. Could they pass up the possibility to bring in a marquee coach like Payton?

Whatever team does decide to hire Payton will not only have to make him one of the highest paid coaches in the league, they will also owe compensation to the New Orleans Saints, most likely in the form of cash or draft picks.