When Sean Payton announced his retirement on January 25, 2022, most took it with a grain of salt. Payton spent fifteen seasons as the New Orleans Saints head coach, including a Super Bowl win in 2009. He was ready to take a break, regroup and move on to the next challenge. Everyone knew it wasn’t a legitimate retirement, including the Saints themselves. Now approaching a full calendar year later, everyone is wondering… What is Sean Payton’s next chapter?
Before considering Sean Payton as their next head coach, teams have to consider two major variables. The most obvious variable is the contract. Sounds simple but expectations are that Payton will demand a top-three salary among head coaches, possibly north of twenty million dollars per year. Any team hiring him will need to be willing to commit top dollar. In addition, the Saints still own the rights to Sean Payton’s services as he “retired” with two years left on his deal. So any team that wants to hire him this offseason will need to compensate the Saints. Payton himself was on “The Herd” hosted by Colin Cowherd and said that the Saints will likely ask for a “mid to late 1st round pick”. That being said, some other reports are suggesting Saints GM Micky Loomis is looking for more than that.
As things currently stand, there are five head coach openings, including the Texans, Colts, Cardinals, Panthers, and Broncos. Among those five, the Colts seem to be the only team who haven’t expressed much interest in Payton’s services. That leaves Payton with four very different options.
Arizona Cardinals
Cardinals ownership recently hired former Patriots Director of College Scouting, and Titans Director of Player Personnel, Monti Ossenfort as their next GM. Among the four open coaching positions, the Cardinals likely feature the best and most secure QB situation as QB Kyler Murray just recently signed a 5 year, 230.5 million dollar contract to stay in Arizona. Beyond that, the roster comes with much uncertainty as the defense allowed the 2nd most points in 2022. If that wasn’t enough, JJ Watt announced his retirement, and Cardinals ownership has said they plan to trade star WR DeAndre Hopkins this offseason. The Cardinals do offer the most important piece to the puzzle for a successful team in that of a high quality quarterback, but beyond that, there is not much to like.
Saints Compensation: Cardinals 2023 2nd round pick, & Cardinals 2024 2nd round pick
Carolina Panthers
When it comes to the Panthers, there is not much to get excited about if you’re a potential head coach. Most coaches don’t have the luxury of picking their spot, but for Sean Payton, that might be the case. The Panthers go into the offseason with a variety of holes on the roster, including the QB position. They do hold the 9th overall pick in the draft, but with limited cap space, their roster is looking at a major and long overhaul in the coming years.
Saints Compensation: San Francisco’s 2023 2nd round pick & Panthers 2024 1st round pick
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans’ offer to Sean Payton is much different than what the others can bring to the table. They offer to build from the ground up, similar to that of the Panthers. The big difference is the Texans are ready to go now. They own the 2nd, 12th, & 33rd overall picks in the draft, and with an estimated 40 million in cap space, Payton can walk in and have a variety of options for how to build this team back to contention.
Saints Compensation: Texans 2023 2nd round pick & 2024 2nd round pick
Denver Broncos
Two days after Sean Payton retired in early 2022, the Broncos announced the hiring of their new Head Coach Nathaniel Hackett. New Broncos ownership didn’t stop there, as two months later, they traded for nine time Pro Bowl and Super Bowl champion, QB Russell Wilson. The Broncos were looking like a legitimate contender heading into the season but what followed was nothing short of a disaster. Wilson and Hackett were never able to get things going offensively, and despite a quality defense, the Broncos finished 5-12 and fired Hackett just 15 games into his tenure with the team.
The Broncos offer Sean Payton a chance to win now. Though with limited cap space and the need to send the Saints compensation for Payton, the Broncos may struggle with finding ways to improve their roster. Nevertheless, if Payton feels like he can get Russell Wilson back on track, the path to contention next year is not far off.
Saints Compensation: 49ers 2023 1st round pick & Broncos 2024 3rd round pick
Payton’s Next Chapter
There can be arguments for each team as the best option for Sean Payton. It will remain to be seen if all four teams offer him the job. What he chooses to do will depend on what he prioritizes in his next team. Is he looking for a chance to win now? The Broncos might then be the best fit. Looking to build from the ground up? Texans fit the bill. Looking through all the options, I believe the Texans offer the best overall situation for Sean Payton. The biggest negative going against Houston is ownership as the McNair family doesn’t have the best reputation around the league. Nevertheless, an opportunity to work with a well qualified GM in Nick Caserio, to choose his QB for the future, and a big financial commitment may be enough for Payton to feel comfortable with taking the job.
On the Texans side of this situation, we have witnessed recently the importance of having a competent and experienced offensive mind leading young quarterbacks. More importantly, we’ve witnessed what incompetent and unqualified coaching can do as well. Just ask Daniel Jones, Trevor Lawrence, and Mac Jones. All signs are pointing towards Houston adding a rookie or young QB this offseason and Sean Payton is the perfect guy to develop whoever is under center for the Texans in week one. For what could be a franchise altering decision, the Texans should do everything possible to get Sean Payton to Houston.
For more content, check out Belly Up Sports and follow me on twitter @MattCouture5
