Sean Payton Jan 25, 2022; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton speaks during a press conference at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports
NFLBy Sean Keeley on

All signs seem to point to former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton returning to the NFL sidelines very soon. The latest report confirms that not only is he planning a return, but he’s also already putting a coaching staff together.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday that Peyton is trying to assemble a coaching staff to bring with him to his next team and that he has been in touch with former Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio about being his defensive coordinator.

While Payton currently works as an analyst for Fox, he has been telling anyone and everyone for months that his return to the NFL is less a question of “if” and more a question of “when.” And the more times he’s alluded to a fast return, the more likely it’s become that he’ll be back on the sidelines in 2023.

There are currently two teams looking for a new head coach next season, the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers. And it’s expected that there will be around three-to-five more openings once the dust settles and the season ends. It’s worth noting that the Saints have Payton’s rights through 2024, so whoever hires him will also have to compensate them.

The Super Bowl-winning head coach was already going to command a high price tag. But the knowledge that one of the top defensive minds in the game could be packaged with him might be driving that price up even further.

While we wait to see if and when Payton returns to the sidelines, the NFL world had some thoughts on the Fangio news.

“Would love to see this staff get a shot with the [Chargers’] loaded roster,” said Establish the Run’s Adam Levitan. 

“Sean Payton + Vic Fangio is the absolute ideal available coaching staff,” said Zone Coverage’s Wendell Ferreira.

“Sean Payton wants you to know he’s going have his pick of the litter on the coaching carousel,” said Carolina Observer beat reporter Mike Kaye.

[ESPN]

About Sean Keeley

Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Editorial Strategy Director for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.

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