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Report: Sean Payton will continue coaching Saints

NFL head coaches

Speculation surrounded Sean Payton and his future with the New Orleans Saints, but he’s not going anywhere.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, Payton will continue leading the organization during the 2016 NFL season.

Payton has two years remaining on his contract, but the Saints were expected to let Payton chase other opportunities — perhaps the San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants or Indianapolis Colts.

A since-deleted report from Tom James of the Terre Haute Star-Tribune said the Colts pursued Payton, but Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports said Payton’s agent had no contact with Colts owner Jim Irsay.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees said he’s willing to sign an extension, though that could’ve been contingent on Payton remaining the head coach.

Now, there could be a little bit of gamesmanship at work.

Rapoport earlier suggested the franchise could use a commitment from Payton to general manager Mickey Loomis as ammunition to drive interest and increase the asking price in a potential trade for Payton.

On the other hand, Rapoport said Payton and Loomis agreed to not make a change, so there’s realistically no ulterior motive here. Even if there is, that’s not a conspiracy. While tricky, that’s smart business.

After four straight playoff appearances, New Orleans has finished two consecutive seasons at 7-9. Brees and the Saints will attempt to shake that trend in 2016 with Payton once again on the headset.

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