Sean Payton NFL rumors tracker: Latest news on Cardinals, Broncos, other fits for ex-Saints coach

Jacob Camenker

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Sean Payton NFL rumors tracker: Latest news on Cardinals, Broncos, other fits for ex-Saints coach image

Sean Payton retired from the NFL after the 2021 season, saying it was time for him to step away from his head coaching position with the Saints.

A year later, it seems like his itch to coach has returned.

Payton is rumored to be interested in returning to the NFL coaching ranks. He is still under contract with the Saints, but New Orleans seems willing to let him go elsewhere — for the right price.

As such, the 59-year-old Payton is set to be one of the top coaching candidates on the market. He should be able to pick where he coaches next, and there are a handful of openings that could interest him.

But where exactly might Payton land? Here are the latest rumors about him as the NFL's hiring cycle kicks into full gear.

MORE: Ranking Sean Payton's best fits for a potential return to the NFL

Sean Payton NFL rumors

Jan. 20, 2023 — Payton's interview with David Tepper and the rest of the Panthers' front office has tentatively been rescheduled to Jan. 23, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. 

Jan. 19, 2023 — Carolina's head coaching search has been all-encompassing in the weeks since the season ended. However, it has reportedly hit a snag, with NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reporting that the Panthers' interview with Payton is on hold. Tepper owns Charlotte FC, which was dealt a tragic loss when defender Anton Walkes died in a boating accident Thursday morning. Tepper and his hiring team will return to Charlotte to be with the team.

Jan. 18, 2023 — The Panthers appear to be really interested in Payton, with Mark Maske of The Washington Post reporting that David Tepper would give the coach "just about anything he wants" to come to Carolina. Payton's interest in that offer remains unclear.

Jan. 15, 2023 — It appears that another team is entering the Sean Payton sweepstakes. ESPN's NFL Schefter reports that the Panthers have been granted permission to interview the veteran head coach. The Cardinals, Broncos and Texans are already considering Payton for their respective openings.

Jan. 12, 2023 — And ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Payton has booked an interview with the Broncos. They are the first team to officially do so.

Jan. 12, 2023 — NewOrleans.football's Nick Underhill reported Payton has interviews with the Cardinals, Broncos, and Texans. The Colts and Panthers are out of the conversation.

Jan. 11, 2023 — NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that Payton has been doing his homework on the Cardinals' coaching job. He also is reportedly a fan of Kyler Murray, which strengthens his connection to Arizona's opening.

Jan. 11, 2023 — And now, three teams are in the Sean Payton sweepstakes. The Texans are the third, as they have requested permission to speak with the Saints about him.

Jan. 11, 2023 — As expected, the Cardinals are requesting permission from the Saints to interview Payton. They join the Broncos among teams that have requested to speak to the veteran coach.

Jan. 9, 2023 — The Cardinals officially fire Kliff Kingsbury as part of Black Monday. This makes the Cardinals a potential landing spot for Payton.

Jan. 8, 2023 — Payton addresses rumors that he has spoken to Denver on Fox's NFL pregame coverage.

"Denver's the first team, and I was able to have a conversation with their owner — and that's kind of the protocol," Payton said on Fox. "So it'll go team to Saints, and then the interview process can't officially begin until the 17th of this month. . . . So that's really where it's at."

Jan. 7, 2023 — NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the Saints want "a first-round pick and more" in exchange for Payton.

Jan. 7, 2023 — The Broncos aren't the only team expected to contact the Saints about Payton. New Orleans also believes that the Cardinals will be in touch with them about Payton — if they fire head coach Kliff Kingsbury.

IYER: Where Sean Payton ranks among top options to replace Kliff Kingsbury

Jan. 7, 2023 — ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Payton will interview with the Broncos after Denver received permission from New Orleans to speak to him. Payton can't interview in person with the Broncos until Jan. 17, per the NFL's rules, and Denver hasn't yet agreed on potential trade compensation with the Saints should it want to hire Payton.

Jan. 7, 2023 — Payton is asked by NFL Network's Peter Schrager whether he and Tom Brady might be a package deal during the 2023 NFL offseason.

"There is a good chance that if we work together, it will be with Fox," Payton responded.

Dec. 26, 2022 — CBS Sports' Josina Anderson reports that Payton has "an affinity" for the Chargers and Cowboys coaching jobs and that the Cardinals are in consideration as well. She says Payton will listen to the Broncos, too.

Dec. 24, 2022 — ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Sean Payton is building "an all-star staff" as he looks to return to the NFL. That reportedly includes bringing on the respected Vic Fangio as defensive coordinator.

Fangio served as the coach of the Broncos from 2019 to 2021; it isn't clear how Fangio's defensive coordinator candidacy would impact a potential Payton hire in Denver.

MORE: Meet the NFL's top rising coaching candidates for 2023

July 19, 2022 — Payton first reveals that he believes he will get back into coaching in an interview with USA Today.

“Ultimately, do I think I’ll get back in? Sure,” Payton said. "There’s no way to predict who that club might be. Usually, there are about six openings every year. If there’s a right fit somewhere, that ultimately will depend on several factors."

That leads many to believe he will be the top candidate available during the 2023 NFL hiring cycle.

Jacob Camenker

Jacob Camenker Photo

Jacob Camenker first joined The Sporting News as a fantasy football intern in 2018 after his graduation from UMass. He became a full-time employee with TSN in 2021 and now serves as a senior content producer with a particular focus on the NFL. Jacob worked at NBC Sports Boston as a content producer from 2019 to 2021. He is an avid fan of the NFL Draft and ranked 10th in FantasyPros’ Mock Draft Accuracy metric in both 2021 and 2022.