The Arizona Cardinals haven’t dallied in their search for a new head coach. The franchise has apparently been given permission by the New Orleans Saints to talk with Sean Payton less than 48 hours after firing Kliff Kingsbury.
The #AZCardinals have received permission to speak with #Saints coach Sean Payton, sources say, as they plot out their coaching search. One of the more coveted coaches available, Payton also has an interview looming with the #Broncos. pic.twitter.com/cucRHAwmJz
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 11, 2023
Payton has swiftly become the most sought-after name among available coaches. The Saints have given the Denver Broncos permission to meet Payton, who has two years left on his deal with the New Orleans Saints.
Payton remarked on Sunday on FOX Sports, “I have two years left on a deal with New Orleans [2023], this coming year, and [2024]. “As a result, any team that wants to contact me or communicate with me may do so. All they need is the Saints’ blessing. Then, similar to player trade, compensation would be necessary if that were to later materialise into anything different.
With a 161-97 record throughout his 16-year tenure, Payton leaves the Saints as the winningest coach in the team’s history when he retires following the 2021 season. Together with Drew Brees, he guided New Orleans to victory in Super Bowl XLIV. He also had two appearances in the NFC Championship game.
Read More: De Mar De Rozan Gets an Update on His Injury After Leaving the Bulls’ Loss Against the Celtics!
Kingsbury was sacked by the Cardinals on Monday after they tied their franchise record with a 4-13 regular season record. The 43-year-old, who was hired in 2019 as a rookie head coach and led Arizona to an 11-6 record and the team’s first playoff appearance since 2015 two seasons later, experienced a dramatic collapse.
With general manager Steve Keim stepping down and the Cardinals apparently open to trade proposals for star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, the franchise is in the early stages of an organizational change.