Report: Saints’ Sean Payton open to other coaching opportunities
New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton could reportedly be open to opportunities with other teams.
Payton, who has coached the Saints since 2006, is expected to receive inquiries from teams around the league and is willing to listen, reports NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport.
Although the interest could amount to nothing more than a conversation, Payton, who has two years left on his contract, could in theory mutually agree to part ways with the Saints. Teams are allowed to give coaches under contract permission to explore job opportunities during the offseason.
On Monday, Payton addressed a report from ESPN that linked him to the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts. The Saints are 1–4 entering Thursday night’s game against the undefeated division rival Falcons.
“I think that happens when you're in Year 10 and you're not having success,” Payton told reporters. “I love it here, I'm close to my children, I just built a brand new place here. So you get tired of answering the questions, and yet I understand you asking.”
The 51-year-old Payton holds an 81–51 career record and led the Saints to a Super Bowl win in 2009.
- Jeremy Woo
