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Sean Payton is set to be the hottest name on the coaching carousel this offseason and it sounds like the Super Bowl-winning skipper has some significant interest in the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys are in the midst of a strong 11-4 campaign and Mike McCarthy’s job seems relatively safe. But an early playoff exit could lead Jerry Jones to look at the most high-profile coach available in Payton, who has made it clear he’s ready to get back on the sideline. And if there’s interest, it would be mutual, per CBS Sports insider Josina Anderson.
“Obviously Sean Payton is a top dog. My understanding right now is Payton has a high affinity for the Chargers and Cowboys, with the Cardinals being a consideration too, if jobs become available,” Anderson tweeted on Monday. “When Denver calls, I expect him to listen, though he historically prefers strong link to GM.”
Anderson added that McCarthy “needed that win Saturday,” referencing the Cowboys’ 40-34 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles. Dallas is still unlikely to win the division and the last three weeks have been shaky, at best. The team needed a late comeback against the lowly Texans to notch a victory, lost to the Jaguars and needed more heroics to beat the Eagles.
Cowboys Have Had Interest in Payton Previously
The Cowboys having an interest in Payton is nothing new. The team was linked to Payton back when he was still with the Saints in 2019, although it ultimately fell through.
Payton also spent some time in Dallas under Bill Parcells as the quarterbacks coach from 2003-05, which was his final stop before taking the head coaching gig with the Saints. He spent 16 years in New Orleans, amassing a 152-89 regular season record and a Super Bowl.
Payton has been out of the game for a year and has worked as an analyst with FOX. But he appears ready for a fresh start in the coaching game, which he disclosed on the “Let’s Go” podcast with Tom Brady, Larry Fitzgerald and Jim Gray on December 4.
“I think sooner than later (I’ll come back). I really enjoy the current job I have … But I think relative to coaching, though, I know that I want to coach again and it’s not really been a secret,” Payton said. “We’ll kind of see what happens.
“But sooner than later though, in fairness to that question. I think that, you know, if not this year, hopefully, next year.”
Cowboys Coordinator Dan Quinn Linked to Openings
The Cowboys are in the coaching carousel mix another way, with defensive coordinator Dan Quinn being one of the most highly-regarded candidates. The Denver Broncos let go of first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett after a 4-11 start and Quinn is being discussed for the vacancy, per Anderson.
Quinn was on a list of six names, which also included Payton, Darrell Bevell, Eric Bienemy, Demeco Ryans and Shane Steichen.
Quinn was a candidate during the offseason for various jobs — including with Denver — but decided to return to Dallas for another season.