Another team has entered the fray for this year’s most talked-about head coaching candidate. The Panthers have requested and received permission to interview Sean Payton, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (Twitter link). 
Payton has, as expected, drawn considerable interest from HC-needy teams this offseason as he contemplates a return to the sidelines, something which is not guaranteed to take place during this year’s cycle. He is still under contract to the Saints, however, which led to an expectation that the division-rival Panthers would not be a realistic contender to acquire him via trade.
Deals sending head coaches from one team to another in the same division are rare, but not entirely unprecedented. Payton’s level of interest in the Panthers’ vacancy – one brought on by the firing of Matt Rhule after his highly underwhelming two-plus year tenure with the team failed to show sufficient signs of a turnaround for the franchise – will be worth watching relative to his desire to head elsewhere.
The Super Bowl winner has his first interview lined up with the Broncos this week, the earliest point at which he is allowed by rule to meet with interested teams. Denver reportedly has a general understanding of the trade compensation which will be needed to acquire him from New Orleans; a first-round pick is widely thought to be included in the package the Saints will be asking for.
In addition, both the Texans and Cardinals have been granted permission to interview Payton, giving him plenty of options to consider. The Panthers put themselves in contention to win the NFC South with their improved play under interim HC Steve Wilks, who has already interviewed for the full-time role a number of Carolina’s players have publicly campaigned for him to be granted. The Panthers are widely expected to pursue an experienced, offensive-minded HC, and Payton would certainly fit into both of those categories.
Here is the updated look at the Panthers’ search:
- Jim Caldwell, former head coach (Lions): Interviewed
- Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Broncos): Interview requested
- Ken Dorsey, offensive coordinator (Bills): Interview requested
- Jim Harbaugh, head coach (Michigan): No longer on radar
- Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator (Lions): Interview requested
- Mike Kafka, offensive coordinator (Giants): Interview requested
- Jerod Mayo, inside linebackers coach (Patriots): Interview declined
- Sean Payton, former head coach (Saints): Granted permission to interview
- Frank Reich, former head coach (Colts): Interview expected
- DeMeco Ryans, defensive coordinator (49ers): Interview postponed
- Shane Steichen, offensive coordinator (Eagles): To interview 1/14
- Steve Wilks, interim head coach (Panthers): Interviewed 1/10
Who did they get permission from exactly? The Saints or Fox sports?
His parents
You think they’d recommend any of these dysfunctional chaotic franchises?
The saints own his rights for two more years. Now that they’ve formally committed to Allen, they actually went Payton to get another job so they can reap all the compensation.
Btw a side note, it’s an ugly site watching Payton jog. That is not a flattering pic. You can literally see the still frame of his fat jiggling
He’s not going to Carolina. Nor Houston or Arizona. It’s Denver or back to Fox TV
Only reason he’d pick denver is they’ve got truck loads of money.
Why would he choose denver mahomes is gonna own that division for the next 10 years and Wilson is ass , cardinals will have a good chance at getting him or panthers nfc south is trash
Chargers need to jump on the Sean train as they’re cursed without a big name big dollar coach.
The league has a hardon for the ownership in DC and seems they snicker about the Spanos family operation – so force a change in both. I’m sure the Bolts could be had for a number palatable to billionaires.
There also needs to be a change in physical training staff and the medical in LA as they can’t help maintain any kind of decent athletic conditioning or health, always undone by injuries!
He’s prob nit gonna choose Carolina, and obviously CMC is already gone.
But can you just imagine a Sean Payton offense with McCaffrey?
Stay away from high profile owners – as they’ll ultimately cost you your job.
If Carolina is the best offer I’m headed back to the booth unless some ownership is included in my contract lol
Okay, here’s what will happen. Tampa Bay will be leading 31-3 at halftime tomorrow. In a crazy twist, Sean Payton will be coaching the Cowboys in the second half. They will make a spirited recovery but will fail, losing 73-66. Tom Brady will faint from exhaustion with 17 seconds left in the game and be immediately traded to Green Bay for Aaron Rodgers.
Bet the house on it. You’re welcome.