NFL insider thinks Sean Payton could impact Cowboys head coach plans

An NFL insider thinks that Sean Payton could be a factor in what the Dallas Cowboys do in regards to the head coach position.

The Dallas Cowboys are once again left wondering what went wrong in the playoffs. After their Wild Card loss to the San Francisco 49ers, all eyes are on head coach Mike McCarthy, who had some questionable time management and play-calling decisions in the big game. So, what is Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to do in regards to the position of sideline boss?

Former NFL executive Michael Lombardi shared his thoughts on “The GM Shuffle” podcast, wondering if New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton could factor in Jones’ decision regarding what to do with McCarthy.

You can listen to his comments in the tweet below:

Could Sean Payton factor into the Cowboys head coach decision?

Payton is still under contract with the Saints until the conclusion of the 2026 season, by way of the five-year extension he signed with the team back in 2019.

The Cowboys did overcome a 23-7 deficit against the 49ers to bring them to a chance to win the game with a touchdown in the closing seconds of regulation. It certainly looked as though they were gaining traction, but a run up the gut by quarterback Dak Prescott sunk Dallas. Without any timeouts, the Cowboys needed to wait for the official to spot the ball to spike it. Prescott had handed it off to his offensive lineman and by the time Prescott spiked the ball after the spot, the game clock expired.

It will be interesting to see what the Cowboys do in regards to the head coach position. Even if McCarthy stays, Dallas must prepare themselves for the likelihood of defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore leaving for head coaching jobs this offseason.

As is the case every offseason, there is intrigue surrounding the Cowboys entering the 2022 league year, especially after another early playoff exit.