Doug Marrone could be next Saints coach
By Phil Naegely
The Sean Payton era with the New Orleans Saints may be coming to an end this week and a familiar face could be replacing the Saints head coach.
Sean Payton had a nice run with the New Orleans Saints along side Drew Brees. However, all good things must come to an end and it appears Sunday could be the last game Payton will coach in New Orleans. If reports come to fruition, then a familiar face in town could be inheriting the throne.
As Pro Football Talk reports, “If Monday’s meeting between Saints G.M. Mickey Loomis and Saints coach Sean Payton results in an agreement that the Saints will accept calls from interested other teams in the hopes of working out a deal that would send Payton elsewhere, Doug Marrone is expected to be at the top of the Saints’ short list.”
Marrone has spent his time on many teams since being the Saints offensive coordinator under Payton from 2006-2008, most prominently the head coach of the Buffalo Bills in 2013. He currently serves as assistant head coach/offensive line in Jacksonville, but it wouldn’t be a shock to see Marrone accept an offer from the Saints to be their next head coach.
He spent three times in town and understands how the organization functions. By bringing in a familiar face in town, the transition would be easier for both the organization and the fans. Marrone heading into town would first Payton to be sent elsewhere in a deal between the Saints and another team. It wouldn’t be surprising for a team to snatch up Peyton as their head coach, but it’s also not known how much the Saints will want in return of their coach.