Sean Payton, 58, led the Saints for 15 seasons and led them to Super Bowl XLIV success; New Orleans compiled a 152–89 record in 15 regular seasons plus a 9–8 playoff mark during his tenure.
Super Bowl-winning New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton is stepping down as New Orleans Saints head coach after 15 seasons, several media outlets reported Tuesday.
Payton was hired as head coach of the Saints after a 3–13 season in 2005, and in total he compiled a 152–89 record over 15 regular seasons plus a 9–8 mark in the playoffs.
This included leading New Orleans to Super Bowl glory in 2009, although Payton was also suspended for the 2012 season due to his role in the Bountygate scandal.
He was named NFL Coach of the Year in 2006 after turning the tide that saw the team finish 10–6 and advance to the NFC Championship Game.
Payton has played all but 2021 season with record quarterback Drew Brees by his side, and together they’ve led the team to the playoffs nine times. The duo brought new energy to the franchise and to a city that was recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
In 2021, the Saints finished 9–8 and were eliminated from the playoffs. When Brees retired, the Saints used a rotation of quarterbacks Jameis Winston, Trevor Simian, Tysome Hill and rookie Jan Book, which was necessary due to both injury and Covid-19 protocol.
The Saints vacancy makes this the ninth head coaching vacancy in the NFL.
On Monday, team owner Gail Benson spoke to her head coach, saying she was unclear about his plans.
“We don’t know. Do you know who knows?” Benson said Fox 8 NOLA. “I think we will find out soon. I don’t think any of us know. But he’ll let us know soon enough.”