Might Sean Payton coach somewhere else in 2016?
Per NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, the language in Payton's contract allows for a "change of control" clause, where Payton could be freed from his deal if owner Tom Benson is no longer in charge.
More importantly, it seems like both sides could be exploring a mutual breakup regardless of what happens regarding ownership succession.
This is not the first time Payton's name has popped up this season in regards to a change in location. Clearly there is some unhappiness on both sides of the fence and clearly Payton is allowing his eyes to wander a bit during a trying season in New Orleans.
With a pronounced lack of quality head coaching across the board in the NFL, Payton's experience, Lombardi Trophy and age (he's only 51) would make him a desirable candidate for current openings, and openings that may occur because Payton is available. The Dolphins are already actively searching, and it would not be surprising to see Eli Manning, Andrew Luck, Matthew Stafford and Marcus Mariota all needing head coaches a year from now. All of those teams would pay top dollar for a quarterback guru like Payton.
If he returns to the Saints, would it be a complete shock to see him do so with heightened control and a new, lucrative deal?
