Could the Eagles chase Sean Payton?
The multi-year contract extension Sean Payton signed with the Saints in 2011 was voided by the NFL within the year, making the suspended head coach a free agent after this season.
Could the Eagles chase Sean Payton?
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
The multi-year contract extension Sean Payton signed with the Saints in September 2011 was voided by the NFL within the year, making the suspended head coach a free agent after this season, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
In the report, Schefter mentions the Dallas Cowboys as the most likely team to chase the Super-Bowl winning coach, but the Eagles would certainly have to be considered among others that would want Payton.
The Eagles, of course, still have a head coach. But Andy Reid's hold on his job is slipping with his team 3-4 and the Eagles in jeopardy of failing to show the "substantial improvement" owner Jeffrey Lurie said the team must show for Reid to return for a 15th season.
The Eagles finished 8-8 last season and have not won a playoff game since 2008. Reid has another year left on his contract, but Lurie said in August he would not consider a possible extension until after this season.
The Saints announced an extension with Payton last year that would keep him in New Orleans until 2015. But the deal was voided because of his role in "Bountygate," in which the NFL said that Saints defensive players were rewarded for taking out opposing players.
Some believe Payton would likely re-negotiate a contract with the Saints when he returns from a one-year suspension because of his relationship with owner Tom Benson. The 48-year-old, though, has ties to several teams that could be in search of a new coach after the season.
Dallas would be an obvious destination. Payton was an assistant coach with the Cowboys from 2003-05 and he recently purchased a home in the Dallas area. Current Cowboys coach Jason Garrett still has two years left on his contract and would need to have a disastrous second half of the season, some around the team believe, to not return.
Payton was the Eagles' quarterbacks coach from 1997-98 when Lurie was early in his tenure as Eagles owner. He briefly lived in Newtown Square, Pa. as a youth and has spoken fondly of his time living in the area.
He once told a story about standing on Route 202 with a sign celebrating one of the Flyers' Stanley Cup titles in the 1970s.
A lot would have to occur for Payton to end up in Philly. Considered one of the best offensive minds in the game, he would have to find the Eagles' quarterback situation appealing to come back. Michael Vick has three years left on his contract, but he's guaranteed only $3 million. Rookie Nick Foles is an unknown entity.
If the Eagles' season continues to go down the tube, the candidates to replace Reid will only grow. There are the obvious big names, like Bill Cowher and Jon Gruden, former Super Bowl-winning coaches that have become broadcasters. There are also hot college coaches like Oregon's Chip Kelly and Alabama's Nick Saban.
baughman, get off your high horse...Ashburn didnt call for his death, he called for him to have a heart attack, then resign.— thingfish- ...I want this so bad I'd name my firstborn Sean Payton.— gjgreen3
- An interesting coaching change suggestion.
Hire a guy who headhunts opposing players and fire a guy who puts his own fans to sleep.
Murder is murder.— wbramh - shut up whiners!— MRD
- Payton would be awesome but him already living in the Dallas area and ESPN reporting that he gets along well with Jerry Jones may make Philly a tough sell. Chip Kelly would be very interesting if he could get someone to coach defense. Please no Gruden. Tampa is still trying to recover from him.— Luriesucks
- We do not need Sean Payton. We also do not need Gruden; all he knows how to do is run his mouth off. He never shuts up. Plus we already have the smartest coach in the NFL. We don't need another coach who in his own mind is the smartest NFL coach. I seriously hope the Eagles go winless for the remainder of this season. this is probably the only way that the Fat Man gets fried.— oneway
- Payton would be awesome...also that exciting Oregon Univ coach or Alabama coach would be worth an interview...DUMP VICK AND REID.— Bob112
- If Andy Reid had Drew Brees, we would be talking about the five year extension Reid just signed. Not saying Andy would all of a sudden learn when to use a timeout or make an in game adjustment. Just having a top 3-5 QB in the league makes up for a lot.— chham57
- No, we wouldnt. He HAD a top 3-5 QB in DONOVAN MCNABB. He had the 2nd freaking pick in the ENTIRE DRAFT. WHAT DID HE HAVE FOR OVER A DECADE. AND HE STILL FAILED. His system is a COMPLETE FAILURE in the biggest games and the playoffs with ANY QB. McNabb was a top 3-5 QB in his prime, and STILL FAILED. DUMB IDEAS STILL LOSE. Now if you have a great QB it can help you win, as in if you have a system that CAN win, then you might, but if you have a system that cant win a superbowl in the first place then its not going to matter.
- Nick Saban leaving Alabama to coach the Eagles. That's hilarious! Or as the kids say ROTFLMAO!— GreenWing
- No way Payton would go to Dallas. He can find plenty of other places without a meddling owner like Jerry Jones. Eagles should chase him and if they fail go after one of the Kellys at ND or Oregon.— Lets Eat
- If you read the story, he recently bought a home in the Dallas area. He also has ties to Dallas. To me, that destination looks more likely, despite Jerry Jones. You never know, that could be his dream job, to be head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.— watsonmr
- Polian/Payton and watch a competitive tea, again.— oldBird
- Payton isnt leaving the Saints..... no way does he leave, the media is just blowing this one up. I believe his contract is technically not up being he was suspended it should roll back a year just like a players contract does.— pr0f3ss0r
- Cheez...wishing anyone harm, Andy Reid or anyone for that matter because their job performance is not good, is unbelieveable. This is a game for God sake...and fans, no matter how much they dislike our plight as a team and it's leaders, is unforgiveable. I do not agree with how the Eagles are playing...but I do not condone rabid fans who have a mixed up sense of right and wrong.— 5thstrretpast
