Sean Payton Will be the next Dallas Cowboys Head Coach
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In a shocking move, Sean Payton stepped down as the Saints head coach on Tuesday after 15 seasons with the team. We all know Payton’s accolades: the wins, the Super Bowl, and the respect he has as a coach, so let’s talk about his future. Specifically, his future with the Dallas Cowboys.
It’s no secret that Jerry Jones wants Sean Payton to be his coach more than any other person on the planet. Rumors have swelled about Payton heading to Dallas for YEARS. In fact, it almost happened in 2019 after the Cowboys lost to the Rams in the divisional round.
The Cowboys were in talks to trade for Payton, and Payton wanted to be there. It’s reported that a trade was in place, but when the trade was going to be made official, Anthony Davis announced that he would not be returning to the Pelicans. The owner of the Saints also owns the Pels, and did not want the city to lose two of it's biggest icons back-to-back.
It makes sense that Payton would want to go back to Dallas. His ties to the DFW area go deeper than his time with the Cowboys as offensive coordinator in the mid 00s. His son goes to TCU in Fort Worth, Texas, which is where the Saints held practices when Hurricane Ida was taking place. Payton also owns a home in the Dallas suburb Westlake.
The roots and mutual interest for Sean Payton and the Cowboys is there. Now it’s just a matter of time when it will happen. My prediction is that it won’t happen this offseason, but next.
Since Payton wasn’t fired, his contract is still in place thru 2024. Meaning that if he were to coach for another team, that team would owe the Saints compensation. It could be financial or draft picks (remember, coaches can be traded just like players).
If Payton were to accept another coaching job this season, the compensation could get pricey, but if he were to take some time off his stock would decrease a bit. Making it more likely he takes a year off to reset.
Speaking of contracts, the Cowboys still have Mike McCarthy under contract. Stephen Jones has publicly stated that he is, “very confident” that McCarthy will return next season. However, Jerry has said he’s extremely disappointed with how the season ended, so barring a Super Bowl victory his time is limited.
When McCarthy inevitably does not lead the Cowboys to the promised land there is nothing stopping Jerry Jones from getting the apple of his eye, Sean Payton, in 2023.