Sean Payton's plans for the future remain unclear, and Saints owner Gayle Benson is among those awaiting clarity from the coach.
Payton hasn't committed to returning to the team next season, according to a report from NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, who indicated that Payton was approached by a television network about moving into broadcasting.
The Saints coach reportedly was on vacation and "went dark" on several people close to him while deciding on potentially taking a year off from coaching.
Saints reporter Nick Underhill said Payton came back to the team facility on Monday afternoon after taking time off at the end of the regular season.
Asked Monday about Payton's status, Benson replied with a laugh: "We don't know. Who knows? We'll find out soon enough I guess. I don't think any of us know, but he'll let us know soon enough."
Saints owner Gayle Benson was asked about Sean Payton today @FOX8NOLA @oliviavidaltv pic.twitter.com/OyoYDjsqO0
— Sean FazendeFOX8 (@SeanFazendeFOX8) January 24, 2022
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The report from Rapoport isn't the only rumor circulating on the 58-year-old coach's future with the Saints. Front Office Sports reported Fox Sports is targeting Payton as a possible replacement for Troy Aikman if the former Cowboys quarterback leaves the network.
“Payton’s an offensive genius – and the NFL is all about offense now," an anonymous source told Front Office Sports. "Besides, he’s young enough to do TV for a few years, recharge his batteries, then go back to coaching if he wants to.”
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The Saints finished the 2021 season at 9-8 and failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Despite the rumors of his potential departure as head coach, Payton still has three years remaining on his contract with New Orleans and would collect about $45 million if he completes the deal.