REPORT: Sean Payton Has “Gone Dark” On Saints And Could Step Down As HC

The New Orleans Saints are coming off a tough season, as they went 9-8 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016. It was the organization’s first year without Drew Brees, and despite going 5-2 with Jameis Winston as the starter, he unfortunately tore his ACL in Week 8.

The Saints would go on and start three other quarterbacks throughout the year and the quarterback position remains a huge question mark for the franchise. But it’s not the only question mark as there are many within the Saints organization that are worried if their head coach will come back.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Sean Payton has not committed to returning to coach for another season in New Orleans. He’s reportedly been on vacation for some time, and has reported “gone dark” on several people who are close to him. It’s thought maybe Payton would take a year off from coaching in 2022, but NFL Network reports that if Payton did step away for a reason, he would likely return to coach with a different team in 2023.

Payton reportedly has three years remaining on his contract, and if he were to walk away from the Saints, he would be leaving over $45 million on the table. Current Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is reportedly expected to be a top candidate to replace Payton.

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An interesting offseason coming up in New Orleans.