It looks like head coach Sean Payton is considering the possibility of not returning to the helm of the New Orleans Saints in 2022.
This is what the NFL Network said on Sunday. The 58-year-old, however, has a valid agreement for another three seasons.
Additionally, Payton reportedly has no intention of coaching another roster if he decides not to return with the team he led to a Super Bowl conquest in 2009. The California native would be courted for a position as a television analyst.
Payton has been the Saints head coach since the 2006 season and has maintained a 113-60-0 record in the regular season and playoffs. However, he was not in the running for the 2012 season, as he was suspended for offering bonuses to his players when they injured opponents.
The Saints missed the playoffs in 2021 by virtue of a 9-8 record. This was Payton’s first season without quarterback Drew Brees, who retired at the conclusion of the 2020 campaign. Heavily plagued by injuries this year, the New Orleans team was forced to trust four different pivots.
If Payton decides to leave the Saints, it looks like coordinator Dennis Allen will be his runner-up. The latter is however considered for the vacant position of head coach of the Chicago Bears.
