Sean Payton allegedly reveals ideal landing spots as Black Monday approaches
Sean Payton retired at the end of last season, but his absence from the game may not last very long. He's been honest about a potential comeback the entire time, but as the NFL season gets closer and closer to a close, that becomes a serious reality.
According to Sports Illustrated and Ian Rapoport, there are two teams the former New Orleans Saints coach would want to coach for if he made a return. Daniel Chavkin of SI reports:
"If Payton does decide to return to the sideline, he apparently already has his preferred choices of teams in mind. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports Payton would prefer to coach either the Chargers or Rams if one of those jobs becomes available."
Both teams could have an opening this offseason, though for different reasons. The Los Angeles Chargers have had an underwhelming go under Brandon Staley. If they miss the playoffs again (they nearly got in last year), then Staley may be fired.
The Los Angeles Rams won it all last year and head coach Sean McVay teased walking away then. Now, they are 4-9 and all but eliminated from the playoffs.
It has been a trying year for McVay and company, so an early (if impermanent) retirement wouldn't be a shock.
Reports also suggest that the former coach could return to the Saints, though a firing of Dennis Allen after one season isn't very likely.
Which teams will be interested in hiring Sean Payton?
The name Sean Payton will be tossed around by every team in need of a coach or one who might consider upgrading.
That may be a long list, and there's a good reason Payton will be considered nearly everywhere- before retiring, he was one of the top coaches in the NFL.
The Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts have already fired their coaches. Unless interim coaches Steve Wilks and Jeff Saturday, respectively, can earn the full-time job, Payton will be at the top of the list.
The Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders have thoroughly disappointed this year. Despite hiring coaches last year, neither is safe and both teams might jump at the chance to get the former Super Bowl-winning coach.