According to multiple records, former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton is in the midst of assembling an all-star coaching staff with the intent of returning to the NFL sidelines next year. In fact, during Tuesday's episode of Skip and Shannon: Undisputed, the show's co-host, Skip Bayless, spoke on the matter, saying that "Sean Payton has already tabbed Vic Fangio to be his [defensive] coordinator wherever he goes [next]." The former Super Bowl champion and Coach of the Year has been linked to potential coaching vacancies with the Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos, and Arizona Cardinals. But those jobs are currently occupied, and Sean Payton is still under contract with the New Orleans Saints, the only franchise for which he held the position. Because the team currently holds his rights, they can trade him for assets or negotiate his return. Sean Payton (58), who currently works for FS1, coached the Saints from 2006 to 2021 before announcing his retirement. Now that he seemingly has his sights set on a second act, suitors are being named by various sports media outlets. The familiarity with his former employer, Gayle Benson (wife of the late Tom Benson), could make the Saints a fitting destination, especially if the team continues to fizzle without his presence in the locker room.
Tom Brady, a 7-time Super Bowl champion, is in a contract year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a team whose offensive unit is currently ranked 27th in points scored out of 32 NFL teams. The Saints' division rival reportedly lacks team direction and playcalling, both of which are areas where Sean Payton thrives. To that, many NFL pundits, such as Pat Benson at Sports Illustrated and Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk have suggested that the legendary coach and quarterback could join forces on the Saints next year. The rumors have gained so much steam in recent weeks that talk of a possible team-up has been nicknamed the "Worst Kept Secret" in the NFL.
"While the possibility Brady to New Orleans (or anywhere) remains a complete and total unknown, there’s a growing school of thought in league circles that Payton, if he coaches in 2023, will return to the Saints," wrote Mike Florio in his report on the matter. "One source with a finger firmly on the pulse of pro football told PFT that it’s currently the 'worst-kept secret' in league circles. It would still be a stunner if it happens. Considering the various potential openings for 2023, it could be the only place where Payton and Brady could finish what nearly happened in Miami for 2022. Brady is a free agent after the season. He can go anywhere. Why not the Saints? Why not team up with Payton? Why not play his home games in the stadium where he won his first Super Bowl?"
For more on this development, stay tuned.
Source: NBC Sports
