Report: Sean Payton stepping away as Saints head coach

In a major NFL coaching development, the New Orleans Saints are now in the market for a new head coach. Several reports indicate that longtime Saints head coach Sean Payton is leaving the team. one from Saints beat writer Nick Underhill notes that Payton will retire.

Payton, 58, has been the head coach in New Orleans since the 2006 season. He posted a record of 152-89 and won a Super Bowl following the 2009 campaign. There have been hints and whispers that Payton was pondering a move away from the team in recent days, but it’s still a stunning piece of news.

There are considerable ties between Payton and the Lions coaching staff. Detroit head coach Dan Campbell served as the tight ends coach and assistant head coach under Payton from 2016-2020. Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn was the defensive backs coach in New Orleans in the same timeframe.

There is no word on any potential successor, but expect Glenn’s name to at least be mentioned as a possible candidate.