After stepping down as the New Orleans Saints head coach, Sean Payton is now being linked with the Carolina Panthers for a potential return to the sidelines. While that might seem far-fetched, his comeback isn't.

In his recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network revealed his belief that Payton will be coaching in 2023, although teams who want him will have to make a deal with the Saints.

“It seems really far-fetched because if you're the Saints, Payton is under contract. When he coaches next, and I think he will coach next year, someone will have to give up a draft pick or more to the Saints,” Rapoport explained. “So why would they ever let the Panthers do that? It's such a non-starter for me.”

Sean Payton has already been linked with the Miami Dolphins earlier in the offseason in what was reported to be a packaged deal with Tom Brady. Of course that didn't push through and the veteran head coach remains out of football while Brady has since unretired and returned to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Sure enough, should Payton really decide to return in 2023, there will be a ton of teams interested in him. He has made the Saints into consistent playoff contenders, and he has that winning track record that many NFL franchises desire.

For now, though, it looks like Payton is just enjoying his time off.