Sean Payton is so interested in returning to coaching in the NFL that he’s already putting together a star coaching staff, including former Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio as a potential defensive coordinator, according to what sources reported to ESPN.
Payton worked as an analyst at the Fox Network, but he’s also watching the coaching carousel from afar, which is expected to continue to spin in the coming weeks, with between five and seven coaching positions expected to open up according to experts.
The Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts have already fired their coaches during the 2022 season.
Payton is seen as the best candidate available and he will be expensive. Any team that wants a deal with the former New Orleans Saints head coach should make Payton one of the highest paid coaches, in addition to compensating the Saints with one or more draft picks, according to sources. sources.
Any team that decides to accept the award from Payton and the Saints could get a coaching tandem that will instantly bring credibility and respect.
Fangio is seen as one of the best defensive heads in football and he should be in demand for more than just from Payton’s perspective. But in an ideal world, Payton and Fangio would like to join forces in 2023 and fuel a team with offensive and defensive mindsets that would require a star coaching duo.
The 58-year-old Payton stepped down as Saints coach earlier this year, but said in September he would be interested in returning to coaching “if the right situation presents itself”. He is 152-89 in 16 seasons with the Saints and led the team to its only championship in Super Bowl XLIV.
Fangio, 64, was fired by the Broncos in January after going 19-30 in three seasons.