Fansided

Saints head coach Sean Payton could become a free agent

By Randy Gurzi

Nov 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Giants 52-49. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Giants 52-49. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFL insider Ian Rapoport is reporting that if head coach Sean Payton wants to become a free agent, the New Orleans Saints might oblige

Once considered one of the hottest young coaches in the game, Sean Payton has apparently become less than desired by his own team. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the New Orleans Saints would be inclined to allow Payton to leave via free agency following the 2015 season if he so chooses.

Payton took over the Saints in 2006 following a 3-13 season which followed the horrific tragedy Hurricane Katrina. Payton brought in former San Diego Chargers quarterback Drew Brees and together they worked to turn the team around as they went 10-6 in Payton’s first season as a head coach.

By 2009 the team became Super Bowl champions as they defeated the Peyton Manning-led Indianapolis Colts by a score of 31-17. Payton earned the reputation of a gambler by attempting and recovering a surprise onside kick to start the second half of that championship win, a move that many believed shifted the momentum of the entire game.

Things have been up and down since then for Payton as he was suspended for the entire 2012 season by the NFL for his team’s involvement in the infamous “Bountygate” scandal.

New Orleans looked to rebound from that 7-9 season with no Payton as they finished 11-5 the year he returned. Last season however, things were back down for the team as they went 7-9.

After starting out 0-3 this season the Saints now sit at 4-4 and look to get on the right side of .500 with a matchup against the Tennessee Titans at home on Sunday. For his career Payton has a record of 84 wins and 52 losses in nine seasons.

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