Could New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton make the transition from the NFL to college football?
Sean Payton has been the head man of the New Orleans Saints since 2006, having coached for nine of these years (he was suspended for 2012 season due to Bountygate). He won the Super Bowl with the Saints in 2009 and has been one of the leaders of the franchise since Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005.
Over the past few years, though, things haven’t been the same for the Saints. They haven’t made an NFC Championship Game since 2009, missed the playoffs in 2014 and are already 2-4 this year. Long-time quarterback Drew Brees is also getting older and the team doesn’t have a suitable backup lined up to replace him.
So could any of these reasons drive Payton out of New Orleans?
Well, according to veteran NFL reporter Ian Rapoport, the USC Trojans could be interested in hiring Payton.
Name to consider for #USC’s coaching search: #Saints coach Sean Payton. Trojans are interested & Payton’s daughter is at school 30 mins away
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 18, 2015
As Rapoport noted in the Tweet above, Payton’s daughter goes to school close to USC. Plus, Payton is from California as well. Also, according to Rapoport, USC would be willing to open its pocketbook if it meant landing Payton.
One bonus for Sean Payton: With all the talk of a potential coach “trade” there would be no compensation for #USC. He could just go.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 18, 2015
No, I don’t think that’s true. USC can pay RT @jvinin1: @RapSheet but @SeanPayton would see his salary cut in half….makes no sense
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 18, 2015
USC has needed a new head coach since they fired Steve Sarkisian last week. Sarkisian was in his second year with the school but was relieved of his duties to get himself straightened out with his alcohol-related problems.
Trojans athletic director Pat Haden will be looking to make a smart, flashy splash this time around after failing with both Sarkisian and Lane Kiffin before him. Payton, who hasn’t coached in college since 1996, would fit the bill. He’s dynamic, a players’ coach and carries championship pedigree that is a boon in recruiting.