Cowboys' Jerry Jones Hasn't Talked to Sean Payton After Saints Exit Despite Rumors

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones saidhe's made no contact with former New Orleans Saints head coach SeanPayton, who stepped down from that role on Tuesday.

Jones told David Moore of the DallasMorning News the Payton situation wasn't a factor in the team'sevaluation of its own coaching staff following the 2021 season.

"I understand the speculation. Seanis an outstanding coach. But I haven't talked to him and am not inany way part of his departure there in New Orleans," Jones saidFriday. "He didn't have any place in anything I'm doing regardingour staff."

The Cowboys' longtime owner also toldMoore the status of head coach Mike McCarthy was "never inquestion" and the hope was to keep the staff intact, thoughdefensive coordinator Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator KellenMoore attracted outside interest.

"My goal was to keep the continuityof this group together. We met many times face-to-face with Dan,myself and Mike, to coordinate and talk to him," Jones said. "Wewere very much in a competitive environment because we felt Dan didhave the opportunity to be a head coach."

Quinn informed interested teamsThursday he was sticking with the Cowboys, per Tom Pelissero of theNFL Network. Moore has a second interview scheduled with the MiamiDolphins about their head coaching vacancy, according to the NFLNetwork's Ian Rapoport.

Dallas won the NFC East with a 12-5record during the regular season, but it was eliminated by the SanFrancisco 49ers in the opening round of the playoffs.

While the quick exit raised questionsabout McCarthy's status, Jones is trying to push aside rumors thecoach's status was in jeopardy before the focus shifts to the 2022campaign.

McCarthy has compiled an 18-15 recordin two years with the Cowboys after going 125-77-2 across 13 yearsleading the Green Bay Packers' staff, highlighted by a Super Bowl XLVtitle.

Meanwhile, Payton posted a 152-89 markduring his 15-year tenure with the Saints and won a championship inSuper Bowl XLIV.

The 58-year-old California native saidstepping down from the Saints didn't represent a retirement fromcoaching, but also noted he wasn't planning an immediate return tothe sideline in 2022.

"I don't know what's next—andit kind of feels good," Payton told reporters. "But, man, Ifelt like it was time. ... But not with any regret. There's someexcitement, like, 'All right, what's next?'"

Jones' comments should quiet thespeculation in the short term, but the rumors of Payton potentiallytaking over in Dallas will likely return if the Cowboys fall short ofexpectations next season.