NFL insider describes incredible disappearance of Sean Payton appetite

The Sean Payton market dried right up. An NFL insider described exactly what things are looking like on the job search front.

Sean Payton was expected to be the most coveted option on the head coaching market this offseason.

As it turns out, though, the now-retired head coach that has been interviewing for his foray back into the coaching atmosphere has no market available to him.

There are some reasons for that, but it also paints a bad picture for the New Orleans Saints, who own his coaching rights and are due draft compensation from whichever team wishes to hire him.

The market for Sean Payton has shockingly dwindled down to nothing

“If you go through the different places that Sean Payton has interviewed, it does not seem like a second interview is coming with any of those places. First of all, the Carolina Panthers where he already interviewed have Frank Reich and Steve Wilkes along with Kellen Moore in for second slash first interviews there. That seems to be the list as of now. You have the Denver Broncos who seem to be focusing their attention elsewhere. Not saying he’s out, but they do seem to be focusing elsewhere. You have the Houston Texans who have not yet requested a second interview with Sean Payton, then he’s going to the Arizona Cardinals for a first interview, that is going to be tomorrow assuming they get through the Dan Quinn interview and make no moves today. So what am I saying Mike Garofolo? I’m saying as of right now, it does not seem like there’s a place for Sean Payton.”

This adds color to other insights from reporters who have suggested the most likely employer for Sean Payton is FOX Network, where he worked last season.

Wait, what? Sean Payton, the 23rd-most winningest head coach in NFL history and the 13th-best coach in games above .500 doesn’t have a place in the NFL? There’s no way he botched his reputation badly enough in his first interviews with these teams. Someone make it make sense.

Here’s the reality:

• Sean Payton will be costly. $20M per year or more.
• The Saints own Sean Payton’s rights, meaning any team looking to hire needs to surrender draft picks or other assets in a trade with New Orleans to get him.
• Payton has also repeatedly said he enjoys that job and isn’t necessarily looking to leave.

Most teams that are in a position to hire a head coach right now need to hold draft picks to rebuild and retool. That much in financial commitment plus draft capital is a massive ask, even for a coach as proven as Sean Payton. Payton is a great coach, but clearly owners and GMs have decided it’s not worth the hassle with other capable candidates out there.

The Broncos have long felt like the most likely option. Ownership isn’t broke, and the team needs to recoup its investment in Russell Wilson with wins. Wilson has been personally recruiting Payton, too.

Now, it seems like the Cardinals are the last team standing.