Getty Image / David J Griffin
Sean Payton recently said there is a 70% chance he will be working as a broadcaster again next season.
It seems NFL teams didn’t quite get that memo.
The Denver Broncos have already requested permission to interview Payton as part of a head coaching search that includes Jim Harbaugh, Dan Quinn and a few other candidates.
Now the New Orleans Saints have reportedly received a request from another team to interview Payton.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Arizona Cardinals are the latest team to request an interview with Sean Payton.
The #AZCardinals have received permission to speak with #Saints coach Sean Payton, sources say, as they plot out their coaching search. One of the more coveted coaches available, Payton also has an interview looming with the #Broncos. pic.twitter.com/cucRHAwmJz
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 11, 2023
With all of the buzz around a potential Payton return, it’s really difficult to picture him not coaching somewhere in the NFL next season.
However, the courtship of Sean Payton will be one of the more interesting coaching chases in recent memory. This is one of the rare occasions where it will take more than just enticing the coach.
Whoever does end up convincing Payton to take their team over will also have to make a trade offer to the Saints for the ability to land Payton.
The Cardinals could be a good fit for Payton if they are willing to give up whatever they need to in a trade and make him a compelling contract offer.
Kyler Murray is expected to spend the early part of next season on the mend after tearing his ACL, but when healthy he’ll give Payton a dependable QB he can build his offense around. The weather in Glendale is also great all year round.
He would be a major improvement for the Cardinals after they fired Kliff Kingsbury, who had never even proven he could be a successful coach at the college level when the Cardinals hired him.
It look like the Arizona Cardinals will get their chance soon to convince Payton become their next coach.