New York Giants Rumors: Will they go after Sean Payton?
New York Giants Rumors: There is a chance that New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton could move on afer this season. If that is true, the Giants should strongly consider hiring him in they move on from their own head coach, Tom Coughlin.
Earlier this summer, Saints owner Tom Benson went through some legal proceeding about whether or not he is “mentally capable” of running the team. He emerged from that fiasco unscathed, but the future of that team is far from certain. If Benson decides to sell the team, or pass the team onto a family member, the clause in Payton’s control can let him listen to other offers.
However, even if Benson is still running the team, Payton could still be looking at what other options are available to him. The Saints have been on the decline over the past few years, and haven’t come close to making the playoffs. Trading their second-best player Jimmy Graham to Seattle severely affected their offense, and there has been speculation that Drew Brees may be next. I don’t think Brees will be moved, but the organization needs to consider that option, along with his age.
On Sunday morning, NFL.com insider Ian Rapoport reported some intriguing news surrounding the future of New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton beyond 2015.
#Saints coach Sean Payton's contract has a "change of control" clause, per 3 sources. If Tom Benson is not in charge, he could be free
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 8, 2015
If Sean Payton wanted to be a coaching free agent after this year, I'm told the #Saints would be inclined to let him out of his contract.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 8, 2015
If Payton explores his options following the 2015 season, there would be no shortage of interest for him. It’s not everyday that a Super Bowl winning head coach hits the open market. The Dolphins and Titans have fired their coaches this season, and will definitely contact Payton, if available. There have been rumors that the Colts, Browns, Lions, and 49ers will also have coaching vacancies in the offseason.
Another team that should be interested in Payton is the New York Giants. If they fail to make the playoffs this year, it is extremely unlikely that Tom Coughlin will be back next year. Not making the playoffs while severely underachieving in a terrible NFC East will surely mean that the Giants will look to move in another direction. They haven’t been to the playoffs ever after the 2011 Super Bowl season, and another lackluster season could result in Tom being the scapegoat.
Oct 19, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin walks off the field after loss to Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Giants, 27-7. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Early on, people have assumed that offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo would step in as head coach, but his inexperience and the offense’s inconsistency have closed that door. Steve Spanuolo hasn’t done well in his prior head coaching role, and this year’s defense has been awful. Therefore, if the Giants move on from Coughlin, they will probably not choose his replacement from within.
This will be an enormous step back because the team would be in rebuilding mode. Having to learn another new offense and defense while their star quarterback Eli Manning is growing older is not something that Giants fans want to envision. However, bringing on a proven winner in Sean Payton will certainly be well-received and will not set them back much.
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Most likely, Payton will be looking for additional power if he decides to move on from the Saints. He might want to go somewhere that will give him the authority to make personnel decisions and more control over the team. The New York Giants present the perfect opportunity. General manager Jerry Reese has certainly not cemented his role as GM due to his poor construction of the roster in recent years. Other than drafting Odell Beckham Jr., Reese has not made any big splashes in acquiring talent. The team’s lack of depth and talent are noticeable on a weekly basis, and many fans would welcome a new person in charge.
If owner John Mara is really serious about winning, then he will make the necessary effort to bring in Sean Payton as a dual-role executive. His football mind and successful resume will bode well for the future of the team, and the Giants would be moving from one Super Bowl winning head coach to another. I don’t want to see Tom Coughlin gone, but if Mara wants to make him the scapegoat, then I would be concerned that their replacement will not be worthy. If you ask me, the Giants’ problems are McAdoo and Reese, not Coughlin.
Bringing in Payton to fill the void left by Coughlin would certainly not be that much of a downgrade. Payton will instill a brand new culture that emphasizes winning, and the Giants will be able to utilize their offensive potential much more effectively.
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The Giants have always been a classy franchise, and their reputation should appeal to Payton, not to mention all of the offensive weapons he will have to work with. Whatever the cost will be to acquire Payton, via trade or free agency, the Giants MUST pursue him strongly. He will be well worth the price, and will undoubtedly be the best coach available on the market.
If the Giants are serious about building a winning team, then Payton should be No. 1 on their offseason radar, if he is available.