Cameron Jordan sends heartfelt message on Sean Payton decision

After hearing the news that New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton planned to step away from his position, star defensive end Cameron Jordan sent a message to the man who led the franchise throughout his entire career.

“That’s my head coach,” Jordan posted on Twitter. “At the end of the day if Sean’s stepping away he has a master plan. Nothing but love for you Sean if this is it for you as my (head coach) then I thank you for drafting me, building phenomenal teams like ‘11 ‘18-21 first off the top of my head. 11 (years) my coach, forever RESPECT”

Cameron Jordan joined the Saints roster in 2011 as a first round pick, coming to Sean Payton’s team from California. He is a seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro who made the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team.

In 11 seasons together, Jordan and the Saints made the playoffs six times and won the NFC South five times. New Orleans won four of its final four games this season to reach 9-8. That feat came directly after a five-game losing streak, dropping the Saints to 5-7 and keeping them out of the playoffs.

Moving into the offseason, the Saints will need to do some serious work to the roster. At quarterback, Jameis Winston was signed prior to the season, but a torn ACL ended his season. Trevor Siemian, Taysom Hill, and Ian Book also started games at quarterback this season. Star wide receiver Michael Thomas also missed the year with injuries, adding to the uncertainty that lies ahead for the team.

Sean Payton steps away

The NFL coaching carousel has been very busy this offseason, and it does not appear to be done just yet. New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton has decided to step away. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport first reported that Payton has informed the Saints of his decision.

Payton, 58 years old, has been the Saints head coach since 2006. In his head coaching career, he coached to a 152-89 regular season record. He also went 9-8 in the playoffs. The Saints won the Super Bowl in 2009 under Payton after a 13-3 regular season. New Orleans reached the playoffs nine times in Payton’s tenure. He was the 2006 AP Coach of the Year.

The Saints went 9-8 in the 2021 season in the first year following legendary quarterback Drew Brees’ retirement. Now, the Saints enter the offseason in need of a new head coach with questions remaining at the quarterback position as well.

With Payton now leaving the Saints, there are nine head coach openings in the league. In addition to the Saints, the Giants, Bears, Vikings, Raiders, Jaguars, Dolphins, Texans, and Broncos are also looking for new head coaches.