Recently, there has been plenty of speculation regarding the job security and interest of New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton. It's been rumored that Payton is itching to get out of Louisiana and it's also been whispered that the Saints are hoping to extricate themselves from the coach this offseason. Who's to be believed in this gossipy Twitter age?
Today, a new report from CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora suggests that the Saints "are not entertaining the prospect of releasing" their Super Bowl winning coach, though a trade remains possible. Payton, an offensive guru, has gone 84-52 (.618) since taking over as head coach in 2006. During that time, he has also gone 6-4 (.600) in five post-season berths. However, New Orleans has failed to make the playoffs since 2013 and is in the midst of a disappointing 4-7 campaign this year.
If New Orleans owner Tom Benson is serious about trading Payton, La Canfora offers the Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans as logical destinations. But the Miami Dolphins, long considered the favorite to land Payton should he ever become available, will reportedly need to make "a change in their organizational structure" to interest Payton, according to La Canfora. That likely means that Payton will want a say in personnel decisions, as has been the case with the Saints while working with general manager Mickey Loomis.
The Dolphins fired coach Joe Philbin after an unexpected 1-3 start. Interim head coach Dan Campbell has gone 4-4 as his replacement; though Miami is still failing to live up to the lofty expectations set when they went on a spending spree this offseason. It's likely that they will be in the market for a new head coach this offseason.
The Colts, Super Bowl contenders in the preseason who now sit 6-6, have been surrounded by rumors of discontent between GM Ryan Grigson and head coach Chuck Pagano. Barring a late season miracle, it seems a split is inevitable. Indy should be considered a strong contender for Payton's serviced should it come to that.
The Cleveland Browns are once again at the bottom of the barrel and in contention for the No. 1 overall pick. It wouldn't be a surprise to see them hit the reset button once again, though it's doubtful that Payton would have much interest.
The Titans are an interesting choice despite their 3-9 record. Marcus Mariota has been living up to the high expectations thus far even though he's been a bit streaky. With a dynamic talent under center and a solid defense in place, Payton could make something happen here.
Regardless of the options on the table, it does seem as if Payton and the Saints are setting the stage for a breakup. If so, the head coach will be highly coveted by several teams.
