Sean Payton says he would be interested in returning as NFL coach in 2023 for 'right situation'

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Sean Payton is working for Fox Sports this season after stepping down from his coaching job with the New Orleans Saints in January, but he says he's interested in returning as an NFL head coach in 2023.

"If the right situation came up, I would be interested," he said. If I thought it was the right situation, I would have an interest in that. It could happen in a year or two.

When asked what he would look for in a coaching job, he said the right ownership and front office was important.

There are a few teams that can win on Sunday but they have trouble winning long term. The willingness to build the correct culture and the chance to win consistently are some of the things that come to mind.

If he were to take an NFL coaching job in 2023, his new team would have to compensate the Saints since they have two more seasons left on his contract.

The Miami Dolphins were fined by the National Football League in August for having improper communications with an agent. Before he stepped down from his job with the Saints, the Dolphins did not seek permission from them to begin the talks. The Dolphins hired a new head coach.

He left his job with the team in January. At his news conference in January, he didn't rule out a return to coaching but he said his focus was on finding a television job.

He said on the show that he's enjoying his role with the network. The first time this season he wished he was back on the sideline, he was in the Saints' Week 2 game against the Bucs.

It was the first time I had a version of fear of missing out. He said that he was jealous of all the people that were there.

While on the sideline for Sunday's game, he was reprimanded by the league for his conduct.

When he was suspended for a season by the NFL for his involvement in the Bountygate scandal, working in television allowed him to get back into shape.

"I'm pretty sure this is doing the same thing, hopefully," he said.

Including his season-long suspension in 2012 the Saints' record was 152-89. In the playoffs, he led the Saints to a title with a 31-17 victory over the Colts.