Sean Payton addresses link to Tom Brady, Miami Dolphins for first time

While speaking to the media on Tuesday, former New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton spoke about his connection to the Tom Brady joining Miami rumors. It was recently reported that the Miami Dolphins were seeking to recruit both Brady and Payton to their team this season — a plan that was reportedly scrapped after former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores filed his lawsuit against the NFL.

Sean Payton on Tom Brady rumors

“I’ve no clue about the Tampa Bay, Miami Dolphins [and] Tom Brady rumor,” said Payton. “My understanding is there was a request that was put in, or their intermediaries talked — and I’m like the rest of you, I heard that story. I wasn’t — I told you guys that already. If I’d have been ready to coach this year, I would have stayed in New Orleans. So it’s nice to have someone interested, and that’s about it. Our focus on Tom Brady has been beating him, not joining him. Honestly though, I don’t chime in. I watch you guys chime in.

“I follow it just like you. I’m excited about the two picks they have in the first round, be anxious to see how that ends up. But I’m really removed from it and that’s okay though. That’s kinda good. It’s part of the reason why you retire so you don’t stress over it.”

Although it may not be a surprise that Payton would downplay the rumors, according to Payton the idea of him coaching for Miami was never a real option this season. Outside of wanting to stay with the New Orleans Saints, Payton indicated that he wasn’t even involved in conversations with Miami and heard about it the same way everybody else did.