Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints. (Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports)
Sean Payton will not rule out coaching completely after retiring from his post with the New Orleans Saints.
It may be the end of the line for Sean Payton leading the New Orleans Saints, but the long-time head coach has not officially ruled out a return to coaching some point down the line.
Payton had been with the Saints since the 2006 NFL season. He guided the long-suffering NFC South franchise to nine playoff berths, seven division crowns and a Super Bowl 44 championship at the end of the 2009 campaign. As the greatest coach in franchise history, Payton looks forward to what comes next for him, but does know what that is, broadcasting, coaching or really anything.
While Payton could return to the sidelines at some point, it may not be for an offseason or two.
Sean Payton mentions he could potentially return to coaching one day
It serves Payton to leave the door open to return as a head coach. He may just need a year away from football to reevaluate some things. Payton is 58 years old and has been with the Saints for the better part of two decades. Though he could go back to the Dallas Cowboys if the Mike McCarthy era ends prematurely, Payton may also enjoy his next gig in a booth or something.
It has been a minute since a high-profile coach joined an analyst desk or a broadcast booth. Payton may not be as dynamic on-camera as what Jon Gruden once was, but there is a chance this could be something he will find joy doing. In not, then he can enjoy his retirement and figure out what other ways he still wants to have football in his life. It just will not be coaching the Saints.
If Payton spends a year out of football, he may resurface as the top coaching candidate for 2023.