The Colts expressed interest in acquiring Saints head coach Sean Payton this offseason, and though New Orleans was willing to consider a deal, the two clubs couldn’t agree on the final terms of a trade, reports Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. However, Indianapolis COO Pete Ward, whom La Canfora identifies as the point man in talks, denies the report, per Mike Chappell of FOX59. Ward says an “associate” of Payton contacted the Colts to gauge the club’s interest in the Saints head coach, but Indy quickly conveyed that they did not want to deal for Payton.
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Indianapolis has since announced one change to its decision-making structure — the firing of general manager Ryan Grigson — but head coach Chuck Pagano is still in place and is likely to remain the Colts’ head coach for the 2017 season. But Indianapolis and owner Jim Irsay are clearly fans of Payton, as the team reportedly targeted Payton during the 2016 offseason, as well. While Payton’s contract demands scuttled talks last year, this season’s negotiations ended because of New Orleans’ compensation requirements, which La Canfora reports were at least one draft choice in the top two rounds.
Had Payton been traded to the Colts, he likely would have brought Saints executive Jeff Ireland along as his general manager, per La Canfora. Ireland offers former GM experience, as he led the Dolphins front office 2008-13. Instead, Indianapolis has named VP of football operations Jimmy Raye III its interim GM, and Raye is the favorite to keep the job for the 2017 campaign. By installing Raye, the Colts are keeping their options open, and could potentially completely clean house — and bring in an all-new front office and coaching staff — for the 2018 season, writes La Canfora.
Payton had garnered interest from other clubs this offseason, and the Rams were perhaps the most serious suitors, as reports indicated that Los Angeles would pursue a trade for Payton. Other potential landing spots for Payton, who prefers a West Coast home, included the Chargers and 49ers. However, Payton, who is signed with New Orleans through 2020, will stay with the Saints for at least one more season.
What is the fascination with this guy? He won 1 Super Bowl 7 years ago. Since then he has not had one team that was a true contender, while having Drew Brees at QB.
I’d take Pagano over Payton, any day. Pagano is a good coach. Grigson rid the team of talent by bad drafts and FA moves. I bet Pagano takes them to the playoffs next year.
Colts should have kept Arians
Fired Pagano for Arians? He was their OC/fill-in HC. That would have looked bad….if Pagano recovered then came back and was fired for his full-in. But Arians seems to be a better HC. Nether did well this past yr.
Saints defense is terrible
He’s the HC…had PLENTY of time to get that fixed.
Although I disagree with almost everything you post on here, I have to partially agree with you on this one…Grigson pretty much tanked on draft day and left the defense void of talent…Pagano isn’t a bad coach or the problem in Indy…what I disagree with is the fact that Sean Payton isn’t s good coach…he has only won one super bowl but the Saints have been a contender nearly every year he’s been the HC…if he could only get his defense back to a serviceable unit the Saints can still do damage before Bree’s hangs them up
They have not been a serious contender since they won the SB. Being in the playoffs does not make you a contender.
Then why is Harbaugh considered a good coach?
Being in the playoffs doesn’t make you a contender? Wow, just wow.
“He led the Dolphins front office from 08-13” That is far from a comforting thought.