Panthers reportedly ‘eyeing’ former Saints HC Sean Payton
Who’s going to be the head coach of the Carolina Panthers in 2023? Actually, maybe a more appropriate question would be, “Who dat gon’ be the head coach of the Carolina Panthers in 2023?”
According to Front Office Sports senior writer Michael McCarthy, the Panthers are “eyeing” former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton. The Thursday evening report linked the franchise with their longtime NFC South adversary for a possible opening in 2023, noting that the Panthers would be open to waiting out the year to woo the Super Bowl winner over.
“The Panthers might be willing to wait a year while the former New Orleans Saints head coach recharges his batteries on TV,” McCarthy writes. “Matt Rhule is currently entering his third season as head coach of the Panthers.”
McCarthy also reached out to a Carolina representative, who denied any contact with Payton.
“A Panthers spokesperson told FOS on Thursday: ‘We would not talk to — or consider — a coach who’s under contract with another team,’” the report adds.
Although Payton has “retired” from the sidelines, he remains under contract with New Orleans through the 2024 season. So even if the Panthers can entice him to take over, the Saints aren’t letting Payton go—to a division rival, no less—for cheap.
