After 15 seasons as head coach of the New Orleans Saints, Sean Payton announced at a press conference today that he is stepping down immediately.
In a farewell speech that was filled with thank yous to Saints ownership, and gestures of appreciation for the fans and the city, Payton expressed that he is taking a step back from football for the foreseeable future. He doesn't want to use the word retirement.
He said that he doesn't know what's next, but that it feels good. It is a step in a new direction.
He is giving himself time to figure out what will happen after this decision. He said that he still has a vision for doing things in football, whether that is as a radio or television personality.
He said that he felt the time was right to leave. Not many people get to choose their terms.
When it comes to his future in coaching, though, he doesn't want to give any fuel to any particular rumors. He expressed a lot of interest in taking on a TV role, but he hasn't talked to any networks or anything like that.
He expressed his gratitude to everyone on that podium, including the players, coaches, janitorial staff, members of the media, and everyone else. He gave the Saints owner a king cake in the spirit of Ted Lasso, and told the crowd that he had about a hundred of them.
The city of New Orleans was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. He didn't know how to eat a crawfish and was on beignets. The new coach turned the Saints around completely after signing free agent quarterback Drew Brees. The decision to step down was made by the man who called to consult him.
He said that no one was tougher than that team.
He led the Saints to their first and only Super Bowl victory in 2009. The team appeared in three championship games. The Saints finished with a winning record in 10 of his 15 seasons. He is the most successful coach in Saints history.
He said that his mother talked about leaving a place better than it was when she was there.
Kevin James is starring in a film about the 2012 suspension of Saints quarterback Sean Payton. The Saints organization was accused of offering bonuses to injured players.
Despite the nostalgic and emotional nature of the press conference, the 58-year-old coach is ready to part ways with the Saints and look for his next opportunity. Bill Belicheck had the second-longest single-team tenure of active coaches in the NFL.
His biggest mistake? The double-reverse play cost them the game.
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