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New Orleans Saints owner on Sean Payton’s future: ‘Who knows?’

Rumors continue to persist that Sean Payton could leave the New Orleans Saints after a brilliant 16-year stint as the Saints’ head coach.

Networks and streaming services continue to chase after Payton with both Fox and Amazon Prime considering the Super Bowl winner to be an on-air talent. In particular, Amazon is looking to make a splash after winning the exclusive rights to “Thursday Night Football.”

We’re now hearing more on this courtesy of Saints owner Gayle Benson. She didn’t provide much clarity. However, Benson seemed to be out of the mix when it comes to Payton’s final decision.

“We don’t know. You know, who knows? We will find out soon enough, I guess,” Benson told reporters. “I don’t think any of us know. But he’ll let is know soon enough.”

Apparently, we don’t know.

Sarcasm aside. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

Related: New Orleans Saints head coach candidates to replace Sean Payton

Sean Payton to leave the New Orleans Saints?

Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints
Jan 2, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton on the sidelines in the second half against the Carolina Panthers at the Caesars Superdome. The Saints won, 18-10. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

If the 58-year-old Payton were ever to leave the Saints, there’s no better time than now. They are coming off their first non-playoff season since back in 2016. Following the retirement of Drew Brees ahead of the 2021 season, New Orleans also lacks that franchise quarterback.

In reality, the team is a second-tier contender in the NFC behind the likes of the Los Angeles Rams, San Francsico 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers (for now). Short of a blockbuster trade to acquire a quarterback, that will remain the case over the short-term.

Related: New Orleans Saints 2022 opponents

Payton could have his pick of the litter when it comes to a media job. He’s still young enough to be able to return to the NFL as a head coach after taking some time off. At that point, the Super Bowl-winning head coach would be a sought after commodity.

  • Sean Payton coaching record: 152-89, nine playoff appearances, one Super Bowl win

It will certainly be interesting to see what comes of this over the next several days. As Benson noted, we should hear a final decision from Payton soon.

If he does indeed decide to depart the Bayou, it will lead to a ninth head-coach opening this cycle. That’s pretty crazy stuff right there.

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