It’s uncommon to learn scuttlebutt about which job a coach needs. The job marketplace for unemployed coaches usually works the opposite means round. Jobs open up, a slew of teaching candidates cram into the interview foyer. Sean Payton is in a novel place the place he can name the pictures.
Payton is a transcendent offensive mastermind. During his time in New Orleans, the Saints completed first in complete offense six instances in 16 seasons, twice they led the league in scoring and 4 instances and top-three scoring offense. Between 2006 and 2018, they gained extra yards than any workforce in NFL historical past over a 12-year span. Then, just like the Avatar, he was gone.
In his stead, the Saints offense has cratered. He ascended to quarterback heaven, as a studio analyst for FOX. But not like most retired coaches, we by no means buried Payton’s profession. It was presumed he’d finally return after a sabbatical, probably as quickly as 2023. He allegedly tried to fill the emptiness in Miami and lure the “retired” Tom Brady to city however that plan fell via. Since then, he’s opted for spilling insider soccer information on Colin Cowherd’s sofa as an alternative.
That couldn’t final although. According to ESPN NFL reporters Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler, Payton has narrowed his focus on the Los Angeles Chargers and Arizona Cardinals. Somewhere in downtown Dallas, a gust of wind swept via city from Mike McCarthy respiratory a sigh of aid.
Payton has choices and he’s properly fixated on groups with franchise quarterbacks. Los Angeles has essentially the most steady quarterback scenario. However, they’re sorely missing in offensive ingenuity and mismanaging Justin Herbert. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi has defanged Herbert. After being hailed for his deadly downfield passing throughout his first two journeys across the NFL solar, he’s out of the blue developed the passing profile of Chad Pennington.
Arizona’s issues are well-documented and Kliff Kingsbury’s offensive genius is overstated. He doesn’t take benefit of pre-snap movement, his groups disintigrate within the second half of the season and the connection together with his quarterback is tumultuous. However, the offensive personnel on Arizona is woefully underutilized. Murray’s dimension could also be a slight hindrance, however Payton confirmed throughout 15 seasons with Drew Brees what he might do with a diminutive sign caller. If the Cardinals are going to take a position $230 million in Murray, they could as effectively splurge on all of the accouterments.
Kingsbury’s paint-by-numbers unfold offensive scheme isn’t slicing it, however Payton is a grasp tailor. The bespoke offense he’ll design for Murray ought to have sufficient doohickies to maintain defenses trustworthy and get the Cardinals playmakers in open area or open downfield.
There is one impediment, nevertheless. In return, the workforce that finally hires him will owe compensation to the New Orleans Saints within the type of picks. Herm Edwards and Jon Gruden are essentially the most prolific coaches to be traded whereas underneath contract. In 2006, Edwards was launched from his contract to turn into the Chiefs head coach. The Chiefs forwarded a fourth-round decide. Then, in 2002 the Raiders traded Jon Gruden to the Buccaneers in change for Tampa’s first spherical picks within the subsequent two drafts in addition to second rounders in 2002 and 2004. Tampa received a Super Bowl in yr one.
The Payton reviews ought to have Brandon Staley and particularly Kingsbury feeling uneasy. Staley’s Chargers offense is struggling this season, however he’s generated extra goodwill in Los Angeles than Kingsbury has in half the time. Kingsbury was employed as offensive guru, but the Cardinals have by no means been a top-10 scoring workforce.
Payton’s title was beforehand hovering across the Dallas job. From the sounds of it, Payton noticed the Cowboys blow the VIkings to smithereens and realized he ought to have a backup plan.
However, #PaytonWatch has hovered round susceptible coaches all season lengthy like some type of spirit haunting groups on the brink. Endure a two-game dropping streak and also you’ll really feel Payton’s presence within the room though he’s lengthy since handed on from the energetic NFL teaching world. This might drag on for an additional yr, as a result of Payton is underneath contract with New Orleans till 2024, however energetic coaches are hoping a training sacrifice is made on the Sean Payton altar and switch the warmth down on the remainder of them.