NFL Media's Oklahoma Drill series presents exclusive, quick-hitting one-on-one interviews with players and coaches from around the league. No nonsense -- just football experiences directly from the source.
Sean Payton
Head Coach, New Orleans Saints
Born: December 29, 1963
Experience: Nine NFL seasons
Interview by Alex Gelhar | July 11, 2016
I think that first year was as important, if not more, than the Super Bowl season. 2006 was the reopening of the Superdome, and there were a lot of question marks about the city -- not even about sports, just the infrastructure of the schools, hospitals, with all the damage that had been done. And I think there was one element of hope that took place that fall, and I think it was that '06 team. That was that moment on Sunday where [the people of New Orleans] were away from their troubles -- and everyone had them. The other thing unique about that city is the players themselves live in and amongst the people; there's not a lot of these communities where they just disappear. And I think there's a unique bond there that you might find in a couple other teams, but it certainly wouldn't be the norm.
We've spent a lot of time focusing on getting the right type of player, and our job is to create an environment and culture where every part of it goes toward the main thing -- and that's winning. And trying to create an unselfish culture, and that's hard to do. You know, guys that put the team first, but guys that, to some degree, may or may not have a sense of humor and are kind of over themselves a little bit. And I say that because, ultimately, there's a role each week and they just have to be willing to accept that role that week. And it's not a permanent role -- it might be half the season, might be a full season. And if guys can do that, that's half the battle.
The two elements that are most challenging about being a head coach are the time and the moving of your family, the sacrifices that come up. It's a real selfish profession that requires a lot of time. Those are things that I think are really hard.
One thing with Bill [Parcells] was you always knew where you stood,and so he was very comfortable with confrontation. He was good at pushing the right buttons for players -- and coaches, as well. I think that was a strength of his. The other thing is, week to week, he'd look at a game and focus on how to win that one. He was very good at knowing, if you didn't have success, finding out what were the things that kept you from winning. In other words, the week didn't just start over again -- he'd look closely at why it wasn't successful. And that approach throughout his career served him real well.
[Drew Brees'] passion for learning and his passion for preparation and passion for execution is really unique. And, honestly, it's a two-way street in regard to the motivation. It motivates you as someone who's a teacher to stay late and work hard on a game plan. And I think his peers -- players that play with him -- see that work ethic and attention to detail and, by and large, the masses follow him and that's a great trait as a leader.
The hard thing to explain to people is the hours or the schedule, even in the offseason. Oftentimes you might see someone and they're like, "What are you doing now?" And you're like, "We're working." Whether it's on free agency or the draft or a minicamp installation. It's hard to appreciate the grind and the amount of time it takes to get ready and get your team ready.
I think the thing that gets overlooked for coaches is just teaching. We're in the same industry as teachers. Watching players come from the college level, work hard, have personal success individually, but also to see them win as a team. We got into this business not necessarily for money or fame or anything -- we got into it because we enjoy teaching. The same level of excitement that existed when I was at Indiana State and we won a game exists now with the New Orleans Saints.
I would still be working in the sports business somehow[if I weren't a football coach] -- I'm not quite sure what field, though. There was a time where I thought it might be business, but I think it would be sports-related.
I'm biased to Emeril's. That's where we ate when we first got there and I lived right next door. I'm gonna have the barbecue shrimp and pick your dessert. But the restaurant is Emeril's.
