The Sean Payton to Dallas rumors went full swing as the longtime New Orleans Saints coach announced his retirement late last month.
The Cowboys were previously linked to Payton back in 2019 with him potentially in line to replace then Cowboys coach Jason Garrett. Dallas ultimately went with Payton's longtime peer Mike McCarthy, who now faces a similar situation as that of Garrett amid a lackluster couple of seasons with him at the helm.
In a recent appearance on Pro Football Talk Live, Payton was asked whether he's spoken to McCarthy amid all the rumors of him potentially being tabbed as his replacement as the Cowboys coach when he becomes eligible in 2023.
“I haven’t,” Payton said amid rumors linking him to the Cowboys. “You know what, it’s a good idea because I felt like it took place for a while with Jason Garrett, a good friend of mine who I coached with at the Giants. Still a close friend to this day, and I consider Mike someone who’s a close friend. Mike’s done it long enough.”
Sean Payton and Mike McCarthy have both been within the same NFL circles for a while now, with Payton making it clear he has utmost respect for his longtime friend and rival coach. While he cleared up that nothing is in the cards as of yet in terms of a Cowboys future, he's definitely privy to the rumors as they've come.
“We both entered the league as head coaches the same year in ’06. We’re of the same age and we’re of the same background. Look, our paths have been different. I’m his big fan and I think he’s one of those guys who’s a fantastic coach. I had this whole conversation with Saints’ ownership the week prior to the wildcard round and Mrs. Benson said, ‘Take a week, go on vacation to Mexico, and before you come back put that answer,’ because I knew then I wanted to step away. Sure enough, that first round game, Dallas loses. I’m like, ‘Ah, It would’ve been so much easier if I had the Tuesday before that.'”
Whether or not Sean Payton is truly eyeing the Cowboys job, it doesn't make sense to let his interest be known now as he still remains ineligible to make the jump for next season. Perhaps he truly isn't gunning for the position just yet, but a lot of things can happen between now and 2023.
Follow Us
Subscribe