NFL insider: Carolina Panthers reschedule interview with Sean Payton for Jan. 23

The Carolina Panthers and Sean Payton have decided on a new date for his head coaching interview.

Payton will meet with Panthers leadership Monday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. They were originally slated to Friday before that but Carolina ownership has been focused on helping out in the aftermath of Charlotte FC defender Anton Walkes‘ death this week.

Sean Payton’s head coaching interview with Carolina is tentatively being rescheduled for Mon, Jan. 23 as Panthers’ owner David Tepper remains focused on the tragic death of Charlotte FC defender Anton Walkes.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 20, 2023

David Tepper owns both the Panthers and Charlotte FC. He flew back from New York to North Carolina to be there for Charlotte FC players and staff following Walkes’ death Thursday.

Walkes died following a boating accident off the coast in Miami. He was 25 years old.

“He was a tremendous son, father, partner and teammate whose joyous approach to life touched everyone he met,” Tepper said in a statement.

Panthers one potential landing spot for Sean Payton

Sean Payton is one of the top names in the coaching carousel this offseason. He was the head coach of the New Orleans Saints from 2006-2011 and 2013-2021. He was suspended for the 2012 season due to the team’s bounty scandal.

He was 152-89 in 15 seasons with the Saints, making the playoffs nine times and winning one Super Bowl.

The Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans are also reported to be in the mix for Payton.

But for whatever team, if there is one, that opts to hire Payton, it won’t be as simple as most coaching deals.

Payton is still under contract with the Saints through 2024 so other organizations still have to get approval from New Orleans before interviewing and negotiating.

It will also take some capital to land Payton. The Saints reportedly want at least a first round pick for Payton.