For the last decade, the New Orleans Saints have been one of the most stable organizations in the NFL. But that's expected to change this offseason, largely because of head coach Sean Payton's uncertain future.
Sean Payton’s rumored exit could signal a major shakeup for the Saints
The Saints could make some major changes this offseason, starting with head coach Sean Payton’s ousting.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, some league executives believe Payton could leave the Saints in the coming weeks, even though he has two years remaining on his contract. If Payton becomes a free agent, the Chargers would be a prime destination for him — especially if they move to Los Angeles. Payton has a daughter enrolled in school in Southern California and also would inherit an elite quarterback in Philip Rivers.
There have been rumors about Payton’s possible exit for months, so it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if he coached elsewhere in 2016. Most notably, Payton has been connected to the Miami Dolphins.
But even if Payton does stay aboard, changes are still likely coming to the 5-9 Saints, who have clinched their second consecutive losing campaign. Rapoport also reports the team may try to persuade Drew Brees to take a hometown discount, as he's entering the final year of his deal and is currently slated to eat up $30 million in cap space for 2016.
The person who would oversee all of these possible transitions remains unknown as well. CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora writes the Saints are expected to overhaul their front office in order to combat owner Tom Benson’s failing health. Saints executive vice president and general manager Mickey Loomis could take on a bigger role managing Benson’s sports properties, which also include the struggling New Orleans Pelicans. Under this potential arrangement, Loomis would no longer be a part of the day-to-day decision making for the Saints.
That wouldn't matter much if Payton stays, considering he has final say over all of the Saints' personnel decisions anyway. Jeff Ireland, the former Dolphins general manager who's now the assistant GM in New Orleans, would possibly take over the full-time GM duties if Payton remains as head coach. Payton and Ireland have worked with each other in the past.
But if Payton leaves, Loomis would likely be in charge of the coaching search. A top candidate to replace Payton is Doug Marrone, who's a former assistant coach with the Saints and currently the offensive line coach in Jacksonville. Marrone opted out of his contract with the Buffalo Bills last year after just one season as the head coach.
The Saints brought in Brees and Payton before the 2006 campaign and they led the club to a 10-6 record and its first division title in six years. Three years later, the Saints captured their first Super Bowl in franchise history.
Ten seasons is a long time for a coach and quarterback to work together in the NFL. And given the porous results of the last two years in New Orleans, it may be time for a major shakeup.
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