New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton made an appearance on a WWL Radio show to discuss the team’s offseason and the momentum they carry into 2019. As always seems to be the case, Payton’s future is shrouded by speculation — specifically the rumors that he might be eyeing a Dallas Cowboys head coach job that could soon be vacated by Jason Garrett.
“I’m in my 13th year. I don’t know how to answer it,” he said before his tone turned comical. “I feel like it’s every other year; it’s on the odd-number years, so 2019 it comes up and then we’ll hear it in 2021.”
This most recent round of rumors was sparked by a report from Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Hill reported that Teddy Bridgewater met with the Miami Dolphins during free agency because he wasn’t sure whether Payton will still be in New Orleans after the 2019 season. That’s when Garrett’s contract with the Cowboys and the Saints’ contract with quarterback Drew Brees are set to expire, potentially opening the door for bombastic owner Jerry Jones to try to acquire Payton’s services.
Obviously Bridgewater returned to New Orleans, though he signed a one-year deal. Signs point to Payton remaining with the Saints for the long haul, and he said that’s the case on WWL: “That’s clearly the plan. I’ve got fleur-de-lis tattoos that can’t be erased!”
