Sean Payton reveals surprising offer from 2021 Saints season

Sean Payton told the New Orleans Saints brass on Tuesday that he will not return to the organization for the 2022 season, and in a subsequent press conference on ESPN, Payton provided some fascinating details from the Saints’ 2021 regular season.

Following the retirement of future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees, the Saints were left in a bit of a debacle at quarterback. The franchise had several contenders but no clear-cut favorite; Payton ended up going with Jameis Winson, but Winston suffered a season-ending knee injury, leaving only Taysom Hill. Hill had played mostly as a quarterback in wildcat or other special formations, and he’s also been used in other positions.

On Monday, Payton revealed that he actually gave Brees the opportunity to come out of retirement and return to the Saints in the 2021 season.

“I spoke to [Brees] at length last night about this decision for the first time and he was fantastic,” Payton said. “And I did call him during the season and we discussed him coming back. And I think both of us agreed, based on our lineup versus Miami it was a good thing he stayed [with NBC] and didn’t come.”

Needless to say, Brees denied the opportunity to return when the Saints’ quarterback room was ravaged by injuries, leaving only one practice-squad quarterback on the roster: Ian Book.

Book started in that Week 16 game against the Dolphins, but Payton’s team was unable to provide any protection; Book suffered eight sacks and threw two interceptions.

Sean Payton announces departure from New Orleans Saints

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

“Sources: Sean Payton has informed the #Saints that he’s stepping away,” Rapoport tweeted.

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.

ESPN reporter Mike Triplett also reported that Sean Payton is stepping away, with official news expected to follow later on Tuesday.

“I can confirm via source that Sean Payton is stepping away from coaching,” Triplett said. “Press conference expected this afternoon.”

ESPN’s Adam Schefter said that the Saints will hold a press conference at 4 p.m. ET.

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.

Rapoport also noted that current defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is the leading candidate to replace Payton with the Saints. Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is reportedly a candidate as well.