Sean Payton to the Panthers? Carolina requests interview for former Saints HC
Sean Payton is easily the most coveted head coaching candidate out there for a number of NFL franchises seeking to fill their vacancies. The Carolina Panthers can now add their name to the growing list of teams seeking Payton's head coaching services.
According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Panthers have received permission from the New Orleans Saints to interview the free agent head coach.
The Panthers join the Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, and Houston Texans interested in Payton. Saints general manager Mickey Loomis commented that any franchise wishing to get into a discussion regarding Payton would have to meet the team's asking price. The asking price is rumored to be at least one first-round pick.
Sources: The Carolina Panthers are the latest entrant into the Sean Payton Sweepstakes, receiving permission today to interview the former head coach of their NFC South rival. Carolina, Arizona, Denver and Houston are now all interested in hiring Payton.
Carolina does have the assets should the team decide to go with the former Saints head coach. Last October, the team traded All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers. In exchange, the Panthers received second, third, and fourth-round picks in this year's NFL draft and a fifth-round pick in 2024. The Panthers also hold the ninth overall pick in this year's draft.
The Panthers fired Matt Rhule as their head coach in early October last year after starting the season with a 1-4 record. Could Sean Payton join the Panthers after playing against them as the Saints' head coach in the NFC South?
Sean Payton and his impeccable record against the NFC South
The 59-year-old Super Bowl-winning head coach, who went 58-33 (.637) against the NFC South, also won seven division titles in 15 seasons with New Orleans. Looking at Payton's resume, he had nine winning seasons, all of which were double-digit winning seasons.
How likely would Sean Payton join the Carolina Panthers as HC?
All things considered, Payton is part of a comprehensive search for Rhule's successor. Carolina Panthers interim head coach Steve Wilks has already completed an interview for the team's head coaching vacancy.
Former NFL head coaches Jim Caldwell and Frank Reich have also been interviewed for the position. Payton is the 12th coach on the Panthers' radar so far. Let's see if he lands back in the NFC South this offseason.