Report: Saints would allow Sean Payton to explore coaching options
Report: Saints would allow Sean Payton to explore coaching options
By Ryan Wilson | CBSSports.com
November 8, 2015 12:32 pm ET
Sean Payton has been the Saints' coach since 2006 and in that time he's gone 84-52 and brought a Super Bowl trophy to New Orleans. But in recent weeks, Payton reportedly had "some interest" in the USC job, and "multiple teams" reportedly would inquire about trading for him.
On Sunday, more fuel was added to the rumor-mill fire: NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported that the Saints "would be inclined" to let Payton become a coaching free agent after the 2015 season. Payton could also hit the open market if Saints owner Tom Benson is no longer in charge.
In June, Benson, who has battled family members for control of the team, was ruled mentally fit to run the Saints.
If Payton does hit the open market, he's going to be in demand. With the Dolphins, Titans already firing coaches, and the Jaguars, Lions, 49ers, Browns and Colts likely to do the same when the season's over, Payton can have his choice of gigs -- and with it, the leverage to get all the control he might want.
If we were to give him some advice -- advice Ken Whisenhunt didn't follow when he took the Tennessee job over the one in Detroit -- make sure your next team has a franchise quarterback.