JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 12: Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints looks on during the second half against the Green Bay Packers at TIAA Bank Field on September 12, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Sean Payton was the most wanted coach among NFL teams engaging in HC searches but it appears there’s not so much interest anymore.
Of course, Payton boasts the most impressive profile among available coaches but the situation with the New Orleans Saints is making things a lot harder than they would typically be.
The Denver Broncos are thought to be the most likely landing spot, with the team and individual fostering mutual interest, while Russell Wilson wants Payton to come over and “fix” him. It’s now being reported that another candidate is being considered a frontrunner, so who knows how that’s going to work out?
Payton has had interviews with various teams, yet the market is thought to have dried up and there’s not as much optimism as before. It’s thought that the places where he’s been interviewed won’t have him back for seconds.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport has explained why things have changed on the Payton front since the rumors of his potential return started swirling.
“If you go through the different places that Sean Payton has interviewed, it does not seem like a second interview is coming with any of those places,” Rapoport said via the NFL Network this week.
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“First of all, the Carolina Panthers where he already interviewed have Frank Reich and Steve Wilkes along with Kellen Moore in for second slash first interviews there. That seems to be the list as of now. You have the Denver Broncos who seem to be focusing their attention elsewhere. Not saying he’s out, but they do seem to be focusing elsewhere.
“You have the Houston Texans who have not yet requested a second interview with Sean Payton, then he’s going to the Arizona Cardinals for a first interview, that is going to be tomorrow assuming they get through the Dan Quinn interview and make no moves today. So what am I saying Mike Garofolo? I’m saying as of right now, it does not seem like there’s a place for Sean Payton.”
There could be some more interest headed Payton’s way as Dan Quinn has removed himself from the running for HC jobs in a bid to help the Dallas Cowboys win a Super Bowl.
