Sean Payton retired from the NFL after the 2021 season, saying it was time for him to step away from his head coaching position with the Saints.
A year later, it seems like his itch to coach has returned.
Payton is rumored to be interested in returning to the NFL coaching ranks. He is still under contract with the Saints, but New Orleans seems willing to let him go elsewhere — for the right price.
As such, the 59-year-old Payton is set to be one of the top coaching candidates on the market. He should be able to pick where he coaches next, and there are a handful of openings that could interest him.
But where exactly might Payton land? Here are the latest rumors about him as the NFL’s hiring cycle kicks into full gear.
MORE: Ranking Sean Payton’s best fits for a potential return to the NFL
Sean Payton NFL rumors
Jan. 11, 2023 — As expected, the Cardinals are requesting permission from the Saints to interview Payton. They join the Broncos among teams that have requested to speak to the veteran coach.
The #AZCardinals have received permission to speak with #Saints coach Sean Payton, sources say, as they plot out their coaching search. One of the more coveted coaches available, Payton also has an interview looming with the #Broncos. pic.twitter.com/cucRHAwmJz
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 11, 2023
Jan. 9, 2023 — The Cardinals officially fire Kliff Kingsbury as part of Black Monday. This makes the Cardinals a potential landing spot for Payton.
Jan. 8, 2023 — Payton addresses rumors that he has spoken to Denver on Fox’s NFL pregame coverage.
“Denver’s the first team, and I was able to have a conversation with their owner — and that’s kind of the protocol,” Payton said on Fox. “So it’ll go team to Saints, and then the interview process can’t officially begin until the 17th of this month. . . . So that’s really where it’s at.”
Jan. 7, 2023 — NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports the Saints want “a first-round pick and more” in exchange for Payton.
Jan. 7, 2023 — The Broncos aren’t the only team expected to contact the Saints about Payton. New Orleans also believes that the Cardinals will be in touch with them about Payton — if they fire head coach Kliff Kingsbury.
IYER: Where Sean Payton ranks among top options to replace Kliff Kingsbury
Jan. 7, 2023 — ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Payton will interview with the Broncos after Denver received permission from New Orleans to speak to him. Payton can’t interview in person with the Broncos until Jan. 17, per the NFL’s rules, and Denver hasn’t yet agreed on potential trade compensation with the Saints should it want to hire Payton.
Broncos and Saints do not have to – and haven’t – agreed to the compensation that would go to New Orleans if Denver hired Sean Payton, per sources. This would come later if talks between Denver and Payton go well. https://t.co/yiMzjCuRnl
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 7, 2023
Jan. 7, 2023 — Payton is asked by NFL Network’s Peter Schrager whether he and Tom Brady might be a package deal during the 2023 NFL offseason.
“There is a good chance that if we work together, it will be with Fox,” Payton responded.
A Tom Brady & Sean Payton package deal?
Hmm…
Coach and I discussed on “The Season with Peter Schrager” @nflnetwork @NFLMedia pic.twitter.com/ETnwhcE5Qt
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) January 7, 2023
Dec. 26, 2022 — CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson reports that Payton has “an affinity” for the Chargers and Cowboys coaching jobs and that the Cardinals are in consideration as well. She says Payton will listen to the Broncos, too.
Obviously Sean Payton is a top dog. My understanding right now is Payton has a high affinity for the Chargers & Cowboys, w/t Cardinals being a consideration too, if jobs become available. When Denver calls, I expect him to listen, though he historically prefers strong link to GM.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) December 26, 2022
Dec. 24, 2022 — ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Sean Payton is building “an all-star staff” as he looks to return to the NFL. That reportedly includes bringing on the respected Vic Fangio as defensive coordinator.
Fangio served as the coach of the Broncos from 2019 to 2021; it isn’t clear how Fangio’s defensive coordinator candidacy would impact a potential Payton hire in Denver.
MORE: Meet the NFL’s top rising coaching candidates for 2023
July 19, 2022 — Payton first reveals that he believes he will get back into coaching in an interview with USA Today.
“Ultimately, do I think I’ll get back in? Sure,” Payton said. “There’s no way to predict who that club might be. Usually, there are about six openings every year. If there’s a right fit somewhere, that ultimately will depend on several factors.”
That leads many to believe he will be the top candidate available during the 2023 NFL hiring cycle.
