Here’s a look at the 1-4 Saints..
- Some people currently in the NFL believe that Sean Payton will be coaching the Dolphins next year, according to Mike Florio of PFT. Payton has said unequivocally that he wants to remain in New Orleans, but Florio can easily envision a situation in which he changes his mind. Once the Saints’ season ends, the Dolphins or any other interested team can be request permission to speak to the coach. Before permission is granted, however, the two teams must negotiate the terms of compensation in the event of a hire. So, even before Payton would be talking to another club, he’d know that the Saints are willing to let him go, and Florio feels that could change his mind about staying put. Payton could get the chance to coach Ryan Tannehill or Andrew Luck, and that could also help change his mind given the Saints’ uncertainty at the position.
- A trade sending Payton elsewhere wouldn’t be shocking, Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com write. The duo notes that Payton is close with Bill Parcells and Jon Gruden, and both of those coaches were dealt in compensatory deals. Schefter and Mort also ID the Colts and Dolphins as possible landing spots for Payton.
- There’s a chance that the Saints fire defensive coordinator Rob Ryan before the end of the season, Evan Woodbery of The Times-Picayune writes, but ultimately he feels it would be counter-productive and he’d be surprised if it happens. Ryan is still very popular in the locker room and senior assistant Dennis Allen, who many feel could be his successor, hasn’t done much to improve the Saints’ D in 2015.