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Patrick Sean Payton[1] (born December 29, 1963) is an American professional football coach and former quarterback who is the head coach for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). Previously, he served as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints from 2006 to 2021, leading the franchise to its first Super Bowl victory during the 2009 season. Payton played college football for the Eastern Illinois Panthers and played professionally in 1987 with the Chicago Bears and in 1988 overseas in Britain for the Leicester Panthers.

Key Information

He began his coaching career as offensive assistant for San Diego State University and had several assistant coaching positions on college and NFL teams before being named as the tenth full-time coach in Saints history in 2006. Payton has always been known for his offensive prowess, having scored more points (2,804) and gained more yards (40,158) than any other team in a coach's first 100 games in NFL history.[2] Payton had the second-longest NFL single-team tenure among active head coaches, behind New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who coached the Patriots from 2000 to 2023.

Under Payton's leadership, the Saints made the 2006 NFL playoffs after a 3–13 season in 2005 and advanced to their first NFC Championship appearance in franchise history. Because of this effort, Payton won the AP NFL Coach of the Year Award. Following the 2009 season, the Saints won their first Super Bowl championship in franchise history. In 16 seasons with the Saints as head coach, Payton helped guide the team to three NFC Championship games (2006, 2009, and 2018), a victory in Super Bowl XLIV, and nine total playoff berths with seven division titles, making him the most successful coach in Saints franchise history.

In April 2012, Payton was suspended for the entire 2012 NFL season as a result of his involvement in the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal, under which "bounties" were paid for injuring[3][4][5] players on opposing teams.[6] Before the 2011 season began, an email sent by Michael Ornstein outlined a plan offering $5,000 to anyone who would injure Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the season opener, which Payton initially denied knowing about but later admitted to having read.[7][8] Payton filed an appeal, but was denied, and was reinstated in January 2013.[9][10]

In Payton's second year as coach of the Denver Broncos during the 2024 season, the team would make the playoffs.[11]

Early life

[edit]

Payton was born in San Mateo, California, and raised in Naperville, Illinois, by parents Thomas and Jeanne Payton.[12] Payton's parents were originally from Scranton, Pennsylvania; Thomas worked in the insurance industry.[13] Payton lived in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, during his grade school and middle school years (1970–1978).[12] He attended Naperville Central High School in Naperville, Illinois, starting as quarterback his senior year before graduating in 1982. Earning a football scholarship, Payton had a successful career playing quarterback at Eastern Illinois University, leading the Panthers to an 11–2 record and the quarter-finals of the Division I-AA Playoffs in 1986. While attending EIU, he became a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and was later named a Significant Sig; one of Sigma Chi's highest honors.[14][15] Under coach Al Molde, Payton's Eastern Illinois teams were known as "Eastern Airlines" due to their prolific passing attack that frequently topped 300 yards per game (and had 509 passing yards in one game, still a school record).[16]

Playing career

[edit]

Although he was not drafted in the 1987 NFL draft, Payton tried out for the Kansas City Chiefs for one day. In 1987, he played quarterback for the Chicago Bruisers and Pittsburgh Gladiators during the inaugural season of the Arena Football League, before his rights were sold for $1,000 to the Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League. He was also a member of the Chicago Bears squad of strikebreaking replacement players, known as the "Spare Bears", during the 1987 NFL players strike.[17] In 3 games he completed 8 of 23 passes (34.8%) for 79 yards, no touchdowns, an interception, and a passer rating of 27.3. He was also sacked 7 times for 47 yards and had one rush attempt for 28 yards. His one interception came against the New Orleans Saints, the team he would later go on to coach to a Super Bowl victory.[18][19]

In 1988, he played for the Leicester Panthers of the professional UK Budweiser National League. Payton landed the starting quarterback role for the Panthers. Payton led the Panthers to a touchdown on their first possession, and an 8–5 regular season record. That same season saw the Panthers go to the Quarterfinals of the playoffs BAFA National Leagues, eventually losing to the London Olympians. Afterwards Payton returned to the US to take up a coaching position.[20]

Coaching career

[edit]

Early coaching career

[edit]

Payton began his coaching career in 1988 as an offensive assistant at San Diego State University. He made a series of assistant coaching positions at Indiana State University, Miami University (offensive coordinator), Illinois, and again at San Diego State (running backs coach), before landing a job as the quarterbacks coach with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1997.[21]

He coached Marshall Faulk from 1992 to 1993 while working at San Diego State.[22]

As OC at Miami University, he helped RB Deland McCullough run for over 1,100 yards.[23] In 1995, the team scored the most points in a season (326) since 1986 and finished 8–2–1.[24] RB Deland McCullough ran for over 1,600 yards with 14 TD and QB Sam Ricketts also threw 14 TD.

At the University of Illinois in 1996,[25] he coached QB Scott Weaver, who completed 56% of his passes for over 1,700 yards and 7 TD.

Philadelphia Eagles

[edit]

From 1997 to 1998, Payton was quarterbacks coach for the Philadelphia Eagles and worked with offensive coordinator Jon Gruden and offensive line coach Bill Callahan.[26] In 1998, Gruden and Callahan left for the Oakland Raiders, and Eagles head coach Ray Rhodes and Payton were fired.[27] The Eagles' quarterbacks passed for 4,009 yards in 1997.[28] Payton would not be retained by new head coach Andy Reid.

New York Giants

[edit]

In 1999, Payton was hired as the quarterbacks coach for the New York Giants and was promoted to the role of offensive coordinator in 2000.[29][30] Under his guidance, the Giants would go on to represent the NFC in Super Bowl XXXV.[31] During this time, he was known to lock himself in the stadium and sleep on the couches while studying plays during off-days.

At around 6:45 a.m. on September 11, 2001, the New York Giants' flight from Denver, where the Giants played the Denver Broncos for the first Monday Night Football game of 2001, landed at the gate of Newark Liberty International Airport next to United Airlines Flight 93, the flight that was hijacked and eventually crashed in rural Pennsylvania. Payton recalls this moment in his autobiography Home Team: Coaching the Saints and New Orleans Back to Life.[32] During the 2002 season, after several poor showings by the Giants' offense, Payton's role in play-calling was taken over by then head coach Jim Fassel.[33] Under Fassel the offense improved and propelled the team to a wild-card playoff berth.

Dallas Cowboys

[edit]

Payton joined Bill Parcells and the Dallas Cowboys as an assistant head coach and a quarterbacks coach in 2003. He guided three different quarterbacks (Quincy Carter, Vinny Testaverde, and Drew Bledsoe) to 3,000-yard passing seasons, while contributing to improve the passing offense from a 31st rank to 15th in the league. He also has been attributed as the primary factor for the team signing undrafted free agent Tony Romo in 2003.

In 2004, he became a sought-after assistant in the league, so the Cowboys gave him a pay raise to remain as their assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach.[34] In 2005, he was promoted by Parcells to assistant head coach/passing game coordinator.

New Orleans Saints (2006–2011)

[edit]
Payton with the Lombardi Trophy after the Saints victory in Super Bowl XLIV

Payton began his first head coaching assignment in 2006 with the New Orleans Saints.[35] In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, during the 2005 season the Saints had finished with a 3–13 record, ranking as the second worst team in the league. However, Payton turned the struggling team around, and, with newly acquired free agent quarterback Drew Brees, led them to their first playoff appearance in six years. The team had one of the league's most productive offenses, ranking first in passing,[36] and fifth in points scored.[37] The Saints won the NFC South with a 10–6 record, earned a first-round playoff bye and notched only the second playoff win in franchise history, giving them a berth in the NFC Championship Game against the top-seeded Chicago Bears. The Saints out-gained the Bears in total yards on offense, but lost the game by the lopsided score of 39–14. Receiving 44 out of 50 votes from a panel of sports journalists and broadcasters, Payton won the AP NFL Coach of the Year Award in January 2007.[38]

In the 2007 season, the Saints tried to improve upon their 10–6 record from the previous season. They and the Pittsburgh Steelers opened the NFL preseason, playing the Hall of Fame Game on August 5, 2007. The Saints were 3–2 in the preseason. The Saints also had the honor of opening the season against the defending champion Indianapolis Colts. The Saints finished the 2007 season 7–9.

In 2009, Payton coached the Saints to their most successful season with a 13–3 record. They won their playoff games and went to the Super Bowl. Payton decided to start the second half with a surprise onside kick, giving New Orleans possession. It's noted as one of the gutsiest plays in Super Bowl history.[39] In the fourth quarter, Tracy Porter intercepted Peyton Manning during the fourth quarter and returned the pick for a touchdown, securing a 31–17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV, the team's first Super Bowl win.

In June 2010, Payton published a book (written with journalist Ellis Henican) entitled Home Team: Coaching the Saints and New Orleans Back to Life.[40] The book opened at number 8 on the non-fiction bestseller list of The New York Times.[41] Payton described the concept of Home Team: "I didn't want to write another winning-on-the-field book or about modern-day leadership...I wanted to write a book about the stories, ones that you sit around and tell your friends."[42]

On October 16, 2011, while coaching against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Payton broke his tibia and tore his MCL in a collision with tight end Jimmy Graham's helmet after Graham was tackled on the sideline. Unable to stand on the sidelines, Payton coached from the booth during rehabilitation. In a memorable moment the week after, Payton was spotted eating a hot dog in a relaxed state while the Saints blew out the Indianapolis Colts 62–7.[43]

Bounty scandal and suspension

[edit]
Main article: New Orleans Saints bounty scandal

On March 2, 2012, the NFL concluded after a thorough investigation that from 2009 to 2011, the Saints implemented a bounty program that rewarded players for deliberately attempting to knock opposing players out of games. The slush fund was determined to be administered by defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who joined the team in 2009. An extensive league investigation found that Payton was implicated in the Bounty Scandal. The league determined Payton went as far as to orchestrate a cover-up when the league first investigated it in the 2009–10 offseason. When informed that the league was investigating reports of a bounty program, Payton met with Williams and assistant head coach Joe Vitt and told them, "Let's make sure our ducks are in a row."[44]

According to a league memo, the NFL reopened its investigation late in the 2011 season. Just before the Saints' playoff game against the Detroit Lions, league officials alerted Saints owner Tom Benson that they had found irrefutable evidence of the Saints' bounty program.[45][46] When general manager Mickey Loomis informed Payton that the league had reopened its investigation, Payton failed to shut the alleged program down.[44]

On March 22, 2012, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Payton for the entire 2012 season, effective April 1. Payton became the first head coach in modern NFL history to be suspended for any reason. Goodell was particularly upset that Payton and other Saints officials had lied to him about the scheme. For instance, during its investigation, the league uncovered an email that Michael Ornstein, the agent for former Saints running back Reggie Bush, had sent to Payton. In reality, the Ornstein email wasn't directly sent to Payton, instead it came to team spokesman Greg Bensel, who then forwarded it to the coaching staff with this message: "email from Orny (he asked that I send it) the dude is in prison so I told him I would."[47] The email stated "put me down for $5,000 on Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers."[46] "It's a running joke going for three years," Ornstein said. "Ornstein's email is just another example of the speciousness of the quote-unquote evidence that Commissioner (Roger) Goodell claims to have to support his erroneous accusations against Jonathan and the other players," lawyer Peter Ginsberg said. "As more of the evidence is revealed in the media, it is becoming more and more apparent how irresponsible the NFL's actions have been."[48] When confronted with the email, Payton initially claimed he never read it, but subsequently admitted that he had.[45][8] In an interview with ESPN's Adam Schefter, Goodell implied that Payton would have faced significant punishment even if he'd been more forthcoming. In Goodell's view, Payton's contractual obligation to supervise his assistants meant that, at the very least, he should have known about the scheme and shut it down immediately.[49] In the league's announcement of sanctions against the Saints, Payton was faulted for violating a provision of the league constitution that requires coaches to inform their owners about team operations, as well as to "avoid actions that undermine or damage the club's reputation or operating success."[44]

On March 30, 2012, Payton lodged a formal appeal of his suspension. Goodell held an expedited hearing on the matter and was expected to render a decision in "days, not weeks," according to ESPN's Schefter. Payton also used the hearing as a chance to get clarification on the terms of his ban.[50] Goodell turned the appeal down on April 9, meaning that Payton's suspension was set to begin on April 16.[51] He was to remain suspended until the end of Super Bowl XLVII, which was held in New Orleans. According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, Payton was to forfeit $7.8 million of his $8.1 million salary.[52] He was barred from even casual contact with anyone in the NFL; any such contact would have to be reported to NFL executive Ray Anderson.[53]

Soon after the suspension was announced, Payton began discussions with his mentor Bill Parcells about serving as an interim coach for the 2012 season.[54]

In September 2011, the Saints and Payton agreed to extend Payton's contract through 2015. However, on November 4, 2012, the NFL revealed that it had disallowed the extension because it contained a clause the NFL deemed to violate its rules, which would have allowed Payton to leave if Saints general manager Mickey Loomis were not with the team. The NFL's action left Payton's contract status in doubt beyond the 2012 season, although Payton said that he intended to return to the Saints.[55]

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reinstated Payton on January 22, 2013.[10]

Liberty Christian Warriors (Argyle, TX)

[edit]

During his 2012 suspension from the NFL, Payton served as the offensive coordinator for his son Connor's sixth-grade team in Argyle, Texas.[56] Payton used a simplified version of the Saints playbook, and the team went unbeaten until they suffered a loss near the end of the regular season to a team that ran the single-wing, which his team was unable to stop. Since he believed he would face that team again in the league's playoffs, he obtained video that the father of one of his players had recorded, and then contacted his mentor Bill Parcells to help him break down the opponent's offense. The teams indeed faced one another in the league finals; Payton's team lost a considerably closer game in which they were able to slow down the opposing offense.[57]

New Orleans Saints (2013–2021)

[edit]

Payton agreed to a new multi-year contract extension as head coach of the Saints, beginning in 2013.[58] In the 2013 season, he led the team to a 11–5 record, good for second in the NFC South.[59] After a 26–24 win over the Eagles in the Wild Card Round, the Saints lost to the Seahawks 23–15 in the Divisional Round.[60][61] The 2014 season saw the Saints finish with a 7–9 record and miss the postseason.[62] Payton led the Saints to another 7–9 finish in the 2015 season..[63] On January 6, 2016, he announced that he would stay with the Saints despite interest from other teams that had led to speculation that he would be traded.[64]

Payton agreed to a new five-year contract extension as head coach of the Saints on March 23, 2016.[65] On Christmas Eve 2016, Payton notched his 94th victory as Saints head coach, passing Jim E. Mora as the winningest coach in franchise history.[66] In the 2016 season, the Saints went 7–9 for the third consecutive season.[67]

The 2017 season saw the Saints achieve their first winning season since 2013, with an 11–5 record.[68] In the wild-card round of the postseason, New Orleans defeated their division rival Carolina Panthers 31–26 to advance to the divisional round against the second-seeded Minnesota Vikings. Against the Vikings, after falling behind 17–0, the Saints were able to regain a 24–23 lead in the final minute of the fourth quarter. But on the last play of the game, Vikings quarterback Case Keenum threw a 27-yard pass to wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who evaded Saints safety Marcus Williams and ran to the end zone to complete a 61-yard touchdown pass as time expired to win the game for Minnesota, 29–24. This game was the first in NFL playoff history to end in a touchdown as time expired. The play would later be known as the Minneapolis Miracle.[69]

In the 2018 season, the Saints attained the top-seed in the NFC after finishing with a 13–3 record.[70] Upon eliminating the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles 20–14 in the divisional round, the team advanced to the NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams for the right to represent the conference in Super Bowl LIII. The game was marred with controversy after the referees missed a pass interference call of Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman's hit on Saints wide receiver Tommylee Lewis on 3rd-and-10 with 1:45 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Saints went on to lose 26–23 in overtime. Some fans, players, and analysts believe the missed call is among the worst in NFL history. The NFL admitted to missing the call soon after the game was over, but did not apologize for the situation until a week and a half later. They also did not overturn the result of the game. The fallout from the missed call was a factor in the NFL's decision to expand instant replay, making pass interference (including non-calls) reviewable. However, that ability to change PI calls did not last past the 2019 season.

On September 15, 2019, the Saints and Payton agreed to a five-year contract extension.[71] The Saints once again finished 13–3 in 2019.[72] However, they were upset in the wild-card round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Vikings in overtime 26–20, a third consecutive disappointing playoff finish for the Saints.[73]

Payton was fined US$100,000 by the NFL for not properly wearing a face mask, as required for coaches during the COVID-19 pandemic, during a week 2 game in the 2020 NFL season on September 22, 2020.[74] In the 2020 season, Payton led the Saints to a 12–4 record and a NFC South title.[75]

Following the 2021 NFL season, which saw the Saints go 9–8 and miss the postseason, and a year after his long-time quarterback, Drew Brees, retired from the NFL, Payton announced he would be stepping down as head coach after 16 years.[76][77] Payton finished his tenure in New Orleans with an overall record of 161–97 and as the winningest coach in franchise history.[78] On February 28, 2022, it was revealed that the Miami Dolphins had requested permission from the Saints to interview Payton for their vacant head coaching spot, but were reportedly denied permission and had scrapped the idea after their former head coach, Brian Flores, filed a lawsuit against the NFL over racial discrimination in hiring practices early that month. The Dolphins were considering pairing Payton with quarterback Tom Brady, who had briefly retired from the NFL from February 1, 2022, until March 13, 2022.[79][80][81] On June 13, 2022, it was reported that the Dolphins offered Payton a five-year deal worth $100 million, a deal that would have made him the highest paid coach in NFL history, and would have been only the second $100 million deal signed by a head coach, after Jon Gruden's 10-year, $100 million contract to return to the Oakland Raiders in 2018.[82] Six months after the pursuit was first reported, on August 2, 2022, the Dolphins and team owner Stephen M. Ross were fined $1.5 million and forfeited a 2023 first-round draft pick along with a 2024 third-round pick due to impermissible communication with both Payton and Tom Brady, who both share the same agent, Don Yee, between the 2019 and 2021 seasons. Ross also received a six-game suspension as a result and Dolphins vice chairman/limited partner Bruce Beal was fined $500,000 and received a year-long suspension for the 2022 season.[83]

Initial retirement

[edit]

Following the 2021 season, Payton announced his retirement from coaching in January 2022.[84][85]

In January 2023, Payton interviewed for head coach vacancies with the Denver Broncos, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals, and Houston Texans.[86][87][88][89]

Denver Broncos

[edit]

On January 31, 2023, Payton reported that he had accepted the position of head coach for the Denver Broncos, and was officially hired three days later.[90][91] In order to release Payton from his contract with the Saints, the Broncos agreed to trade a 2023 first-round pick and a 2024 second-round pick to the Saints in exchange for Payton and a 2024 third-round pick.[92] The 2023 season ended on a controversial note after two straight losses to the Detroit Lions and New England Patriots, quarterback Russell Wilson was benched in favor of Jarrett Stidham for the final two games of the season to "preserve financial flexibility".[93]

In Week 7 of the 2024 season, Payton and the Broncos played against the Saints in a Thursday Night Football game. After the Broncos defeated the Saints 33–10, Payton became just the eighth head coach in NFL history to defeat all 32 teams in the league.[94][95]

In Week 18, the Broncos, with Payton as the head coach, clinched their first playoff berth since the 2015 season after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 38–0.[96] It was also the team's first winning season since 2016.[97] In the Wild Card Round, the Broncos lost to the Buffalo Bills 31–7.[98]

Head coaching record

[edit]
Team Year Regular season Postseason
Won Lost Ties Win % Finish Won Lost Win % Result
NO 2006 10 6 0 .625 1st in NFC South 1 1 .500 Lost to Chicago Bears in NFC Championship Game
NO 2007 7 9 0 .438 3rd in NFC South — — — —
NO 2008 8 8 0 .500 4th in NFC South — — — —
NO 2009 13 3 0 .813 1st in NFC South 3 0 1.000 Super Bowl XLIV champions
NO 2010 11 5 0 .688 2nd in NFC South 0 1 .000 Lost to Seattle Seahawks in NFC Wild Card Game
NO 2011 13 3 0 .813 1st in NFC South 1 1 .500 Lost to San Francisco 49ers in NFC Divisional Game
NO 2012 suspended
NO 2013 11 5 0 .688 2nd in NFC South 1 1 .500 Lost to Seattle Seahawks in NFC Divisional Game
NO 2014 7 9 0 .438 2nd in NFC South — — — —
NO 2015 7 9 0 .438 3rd in NFC South — — — —
NO 2016 7 9 0 .438 3rd in NFC South — — — —
NO 2017 11 5 0 .688 1st in NFC South 1 1 .500 Lost to Minnesota Vikings in NFC Divisional Game
NO 2018 13 3 0 .813 1st in NFC South 1 1 .500 Lost to Los Angeles Rams in NFC Championship Game
NO 2019 13 3 0 .813 1st in NFC South 0 1 .000 Lost to Minnesota Vikings in NFC Wild Card Game
NO 2020 12 4 0 .750 1st in NFC South 1 1 .500 Lost to Tampa Bay Buccaneers in NFC Divisional Game
NO 2021 9 8 0 .529 2nd in NFC South — — — —
NO total 152 89 0 .631 9 8 .529
DEN 2023 8 9 0 .471 3rd in AFC West — — — —
DEN 2024 10 7 0 .588 3rd in AFC West 0 1 .000 Lost to Buffalo Bills in AFC Wild Card Game
DEN 2025 9 2 0 .818 TBD in AFC West — — — —
DEN total 27 18 0 .600 0 1 .000
Total 179 107 0 .626 9 9 .500

Coaching tree

[edit]

Payton has worked under eight head coaches:

Thirteen of Payton's assistant coaches became head coaches in the NFL or NCAA:

Three of Payton's executives became general managers in the NFL:

Broadcasting career

[edit]

After stepping down as head coach of the Saints, Payton joined Fox to work in studio throughout 2022, becoming a part of the Fox NFL Sunday panel as a fill-in for Jimmy Johnson's off days.[123] Payton was also in talks to join Amazon's NFL coverage before accepting the role.[124]

Personal life

[edit]

Payton met Beth Shuey, an Indiana State University graduate, while coaching there.[125] The couple have two children, daughter Meghan (born 1997) and son Connor (born 2000).[126] Payton is Irish Catholic.[127] Payton and his family moved to a home in Mandeville, Louisiana when he became the Saints' head coach. The home, like many built on the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina, later turned out to be constructed with defective Chinese drywall, and Payton eventually became a named plaintiff in a widely reported class action lawsuit against the manufacturer, Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. Ltd.[128]

In the wake of the issues with their home in Mandeville, the Paytons decided to move the family back to the Dallas area in 2011 when they purchased a home in the Vacquero Club, an upscale golf community in Westlake that is home to several PGA Tour professionals, as well as the Jonas Brothers and Josh Hamilton.[129] Rumors swirled over the 2011 Super Bowl weekend that the move would coincide with Payton returning to the Cowboys as the General Manager or in some other executive capacity, but these turned out to be groundless.[130] At the time, he maintained a residence in the New Orleans area during the season, while his family resided full-time in Westlake, a 90-minute trip via a privately chartered flight.[129]

In June 2012, Payton and his wife Beth filed for divorce.[131][132]

In 2014, after his suspension and the finalization of his divorce, he moved from the New Orleans suburbs where he had kept his in-season home to Uptown New Orleans, buying a condo in that neighborhood. Shortly before the 2015 season, which coincided with the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, he hosted a dinner for the four coaches and four players who had continuously been with the Saints since he became head coach, and presented each of them with a Rolex watch.[57]

In January 2018, New Orleans musician Shamarr Allen dedicated a song to Payton entitled "Hit the Sean Payton"[133] which he composed after watching an Instagram live video of Payton dancing in celebration with the Saints players after defeating the Carolina Panthers for the third time that season.[134][135][136] Saints running back Alvin Kamara had recorded the locker room celebrations for his Instagram live feed and the video went viral on social media.[137] On November 10, 2019, at the end of the Saints vs. Falcons game, it was announced that Payton had gotten engaged two days prior on November 8 to his girlfriend, Skylene Montgomery.[138] They married in a private ceremony on June 18, 2021, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The wedding was officiated by former NBA player and coach Avery Johnson.[139]

On March 19, 2020, it was reported that Payton had tested positive for COVID-19. Payton became the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the NFL.[140]

Honors and awards

[edit]

Selected works

[edit]
  • Payton, Sean (2010), Home Team: Coaching the Saints and New Orleans Back to Life, New York: New American Library, ISBN 978-0-451-23261-8
[edit]
  • Payton is played by Kevin James in the 2022 film Home Team, a comedy based around Payton's suspension after the 2012 Bounty Scandal.[142] He also made a cameo appearance in the film.[143]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sean Payton

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Sean Payton (born December 29, 1963) is an American professional football coach and former who serves as the head coach of the of the (NFL). A three-time All-American at , Payton began his NFL coaching career as an assistant with the in 1997 before rising through roles with the and , where he served as from 2003 to 2005. Payton was hired as the 13th head coach of the New Orleans Saints on January 18, 2006, transforming the franchise into a perennial contender over his 15-season tenure. Under his leadership, the Saints achieved a 152–89–1 regular-season record, won seven division titles (including four consecutive from 2017 to 2020), and secured nine playoff appearances. His offenses ranked first in the in total yards or points six times (2006, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2014, 2016), culminating in a 31–17 victory over the in after the 2009 season, where the Saints set an record with 547 points scored that year. Payton earned Coach of the Year honors in 2006 and 2009, and his Saints teams produced 68 selections during his time in New Orleans. He stepped down from the Saints on January 25, 2022, after the 2021 season. On February 3, 2023, Payton was named the 20th in franchise history, marking his return to the sideline after a year away. In his first three seasons with the Broncos through November 2025, Payton has compiled a 27–18 regular-season record, including a 9–2 start to the 2025 campaign that positioned the team first in the . Overall, Payton holds a 179–107 regular-season record as an (.626 winning percentage) and a 9–9 playoff mark, with his 179 regular-season victories ranking fourth among active head coaches as of November 2025. Known for his innovative offensive schemes, Payton has influenced modern play-calling throughout his 19 seasons as a head coach.

Early years

Early life

Sean Payton was born on December 29, 1963, in San Mateo, California. The family later moved to Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, where Payton spent his elementary and early middle school years playing Pop Warner football. The family relocated when Payton was in seventh grade to Naperville, Illinois, a suburb west of Chicago, where he spent the remainder of his childhood. His parents, Thomas and Jeanne Payton, originally from Scranton, Pennsylvania, provided a supportive environment; Thomas worked in the insurance industry, contributing to the family's stability during the move and Payton's formative years. Payton attended , where he developed his passion for football as a . Initially serving as a behind the coach's son, he earned the starting role during his senior year, gaining valuable experience that highlighted his leadership and athletic potential on the field. This high school involvement marked the beginning of his deep interest in the sport, fostering a commitment that would shape his future path beyond playing.

Playing career

Payton began his collegiate playing career as a at in 1983, earning a starting role by his sophomore year in 1984 under head coach Al Molde, who implemented an early version of the run-and-shoot offense that emphasized a prolific passing attack. In 1984, Payton threw for 3,483 yards and 28 touchdowns while completing 270 of 473 passes, helping the Panthers achieve a 6-5 record. His junior season in 1985 saw further improvement, with 3,146 passing yards and 22 touchdowns on 256 completions out of 494 attempts, contributing to a 6-5 team record. Payton's senior year in 1986 marked his most productive, as he passed for over 3,400 yards—including multiple 400-yard games—and led Eastern Illinois to an 11-2 record and an appearance in the -AA quarterfinals, where the Panthers fell to Eastern Kentucky. Over his four-year career, Payton set or tied 14 school records, finishing with 10,655 passing yards (third in history at the time), 758 completions, and 89 passes, while amassing 10,298 yards in total offense; his teams, nicknamed the "Eastern Airlines" for their aerial dominance, averaged high-volume passing outputs that influenced his later emphasis on creative, pass-oriented schemes. After going undrafted in the , Payton signed with the as a and appeared in three games during the players' strike as a replacement , completing 8 of 23 passes for 79 yards with one and no touchdowns in limited action, including a start against the . He was released by the Bears at the end of in 1988 without seeing regular-season play in the non-strike weeks. Seeking further opportunities abroad, Payton joined the of the British American Football League in 1988, serving as both starting and for the . In 10 games, he completed 146 of 326 passes for 2,159 yards and multiple touchdowns, helping transform the squad into league contenders through his in implementing an aggressive passing system adapted from his college experience. These brief professional stints, marked by modest statistical outputs—79 NFL passing yards and 2,159 in Britain—exposed Payton to the demands of professional preparation and adaptability, reinforcing his coaching philosophy of blending high-risk, high-reward passing strategies with player development, as seen in his later offenses that prioritized motion, pre-snap reads, and explosive plays.

Coaching career

Early coaching career

Payton began his coaching career shortly after his playing days, leveraging his experience as a at to enter the college ranks. He started as an offensive assistant at from 1988 to 1989, working under head coach to support the ' offensive schemes. In 1990, Payton joined as running backs coach, a role he held through the 1991 season, contributing to the Sycamores' ground game development in the . He then returned to State for two more years (1992–1993) as running backs coach, helping guide a unit that featured emerging talents in a rebuilding Mountain West program. Payton advanced to offensive coordinator at (Ohio) in 1994, where he called plays for the RedHawks over two seasons, emphasizing a balanced attack that aligned with his growing expertise in quarterback development and play design. His final college role came in 1996 as quarterbacks coach at the University of Illinois, mentoring signal-callers in the during a transitional period for the Fighting Illini offense.

Philadelphia Eagles

Payton joined the in 1997 as the quarterbacks coach for the under Ray Rhodes. In this role, his first in the NFL, he worked closely with Jon Gruden and offensive line coach Bill Callahan, absorbing advanced schematic concepts and play-calling techniques during intense late-night film sessions. Payton's background in college coaching at Indiana State and San Diego State had prepared him for professional-level responsibilities, leading directly to this opportunity. During the 1997 season, Payton coached a quarterback room featuring , , and , guiding the unit to a respectable passing output of 3,647 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions across 16 games. The Eagles finished with a 6-9-1 record, showing flashes of offensive potential under Gruden's aggressive scheme, though the team missed the . Payton's emphasis on quarterback preparation and footwork drills contributed to improved decision-making for starters like Hoying, who threw for 1,573 yards and 11 touchdowns in his opportunities. Payton retained his position in 1998 amid ongoing staff continuity under Rhodes, but the Eagles' offense faltered with quarterbacks Koy Detmer, Bobby Hoying, and Rodney Peete combining for just 2,413 passing yards, 7 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions. The team endured a disappointing 3-13 campaign, plagued by injuries and inconsistency, which led to Rhodes' dismissal at season's end. Despite the struggles, Payton's tenure honed his expertise in quarterback development within a high-pressure NFL environment. Following the 1998 season, Payton was not retained by incoming head coach and instead joined the as their quarterbacks coach. His two years with the Eagles marked a foundational period, exposing him to professional football's demands and influencing his future offensive philosophies.

New York Giants

Sean Payton joined the in 1999 as quarterbacks coach under head coach , where he worked with quarterback to improve the team's aerial attack. In February 2000, Payton was promoted to , a role in which he took over play-calling duties and introduced a more diversified and aggressive scheme featuring multiple formations, personnel groupings, and pre-snap motion to create mismatches. This approach balanced the run and pass games effectively, with the Giants ranking third in the NFC in total offense early in the season at 391 yards per game. Payton's offensive innovations were pivotal in the Giants' successful 2000 campaign, as the team achieved a 12-4 regular-season record, captured the division title, and advanced to after playoff victories over the and Minnesota Vikings. Under his coordination, Collins had a career-best season with 3,610 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, while Tiki rushed for over 1,000 yards, contributing to a total of 328 points scored—ninth in the . Although the Giants lost 34-7 to the in the , Payton's strategies marked a significant evolution in the team's passing game, emphasizing quick decisions and downfield threats that boosted overall efficiency. The 2001 season saw the Giants finish 7-9, missing the , but Payton retained his role into 2002. Early struggles with a 2-3 start led Fassel to strip Payton of play-calling responsibilities on October 31, 2002, with Fassel assuming those duties himself; the offense improved thereafter, helping the team to a 10-6 record and a wild-card berth, though they lost to the . Over his three years as , Payton compiled a 29-19 record, with the Giants posting top-10 passing yards in two seasons, reflecting his lasting influence on a more dynamic and versatile attack. Following the 2002 season, Payton departed the Giants to pursue head coaching opportunities, joining the as assistant and quarterbacks coach under . His tenure with New York solidified his reputation as an innovative offensive mind, paving the way for future success in the .

Dallas Cowboys

Payton joined the in 2003 as assistant and quarterbacks coach under Bill Parcells. In this role, he focused on quarterback development and the passing game, later transitioning to passing game coordinator responsibilities during his three-season tenure. The Cowboys finished 10-6 in 2003, securing a playoff berth, though the offense ranked 17th in passing yards with 3,162 yards. A key aspect of Payton's contributions was his mentorship of undrafted free agent , whom he helped recruit to after the due to their shared , . As Romo's position coach, Payton worked extensively with the backup quarterback, refining his skills through film study and practice reps behind starters in 2003, in 2004, and in 2005. Romo did not attempt a pass in regular-season games during Payton's time but showed promise in preseason and practice, laying the groundwork for his eventual rise to starter in 2006. Under Payton's guidance, ' passing attack improved modestly but remained mid-tier in the . In 2004, the team ranked 15th in passing yards (3,428), contributing to a 6-10 record amid offensive line struggles and injuries. By , passing yards stood at 3,341 (15th in the league), supporting a 9-7 finish, though missed the playoffs. Payton departed after the season to become head coach of the .

New Orleans Saints (2006–2011)

Sean Payton was hired as the 13th head coach in history on January 18, 2006, a year after devastated the city and forced the team to play all "home" games on the road during their 3-13 campaign. In his debut season, Payton orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, leading the Saints to a 10-6 record, their first division title since 2000, and a berth in the , where they lost 39-14 to the . The team topped the in total offense with 6,446 yards, a testament to Payton's aggressive play-calling rooted in his prior experience as a quarterbacks coach. For this revival, he earned the Coach of the Year award. Central to Payton's success was his partnership with Drew Brees, whom he signed as a in 2006 despite Brees recovering from a major . Payton tailored an innovative, fast-paced offense around Brees's precision and quick release, incorporating no-huddle tempo, creative route combinations, and pre-snap motions to exploit defensive alignments and create mismatches. This system propelled the Saints to multiple top-ranked offenses, including leading the league in scoring in 2008 (27.9 points per game) and total yards in 2009 (6,710), while Brees developed into a record-setting passer under Payton's guidance. Payton's tenure peaked in 2009 with a 13-3 regular-season mark, clinching the NFC's No. 1 seed and a second title. The Saints advanced through the with a 31-28 overtime victory over the in the Divisional Round and a 31-28 win against the in the NFC Championship, before defeating the 31-17 in behind Brees's game MVP performance and innovative plays like the opening recovery. This championship, the franchise's first, earned Payton consensus NFL Coach of the Year honors. From 2006 to 2011, Payton amassed a 62-34 regular-season record with the Saints, securing three titles (2006, 2009, ) and six playoff appearances, transforming a perennial also-ran into a contender. The season highlighted this consistency with another 13-3 finish and division crown, though the team exited in the Divisional Round with a 36-32 loss to the .

Bounty scandal and suspension

The , often referred to as Bountygate, emerged from a pay-for-performance program initiated in under defensive coordinator , which included incentives for players to inflict injuries on opponents. The program, involving 22 to 27 defensive players, offered cash rewards such as $1,000 for "cart-offs" (forcing opponents off the field due to injury) and $1,500 for "knockouts" (rendering opponents unconscious), with specific bounties pledged during the 2010 playoffs, including $10,000 from linebacker to target Minnesota Vikings quarterback . This followed the Saints' victory in 2010 but persisted through the 2011 season, amid the team's continued success. The NFL's investigation into the program intensified in late 2011 after receiving tips from former Saints employee Mike Cerullo, leading to formal charges announced on March 2, 2012, by Commissioner , who described the conduct as a violation of league rules on player safety and integrity. On March 21, 2012, Goodell imposed severe sanctions, suspending Sean Payton without pay for the entire 2012 season—the first such full-season ban for an —for his role in concealing the bounty system and ignoring directives from league officials and Saints ownership to halt it. Additional penalties included an indefinite suspension for Williams (later reduced), eight-game suspensions for general manager and six games for assistant Joe Vitt, a $500,000 fine for the Saints, and forfeiture of the team's second-round draft picks in 2012 and 2013. Payton appealed his suspension on March 30, 2012, but Goodell upheld it on April 10, 2012, citing Payton's direct involvement in misleading investigators. Player suspensions issued in May 2012 were appealed separately, with former appointed as arbitrator; on December 11, 2012, Tagliabue vacated the player penalties due to procedural flaws but affirmed the existence of the bounty program and upheld all coach and executive suspensions, including Payton's, while sharply criticizing the Saints' staff for obstructing the probe. Payton was reinstated on January 22, 2013, ahead of the 2013 season. The absence of Payton contributed to the Saints' struggles in 2012, as the team, led by interim coaches, finished with a 7-9 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2005. The scandal prompted the NFL to strengthen its player safety protocols, with Goodell emphasizing accountability for protecting player health and increasing enforcement against dangerous hits league-wide.

Liberty Christian Warriors (Argyle, TX)

During his yearlong suspension from the in 2012 stemming from the , Sean Payton relocated to the area and took on a coaching role with the Liberty Christian Warriors, the youth football program at Liberty Christian School in . He served as the and assistant for the sixth-grade team, which included his son Connor as an offensive lineman. Payton adapted elements of his professional offensive scheme to suit the young players, implementing a simplified version of the Saints' playbook that featured up to 12 plays, including sweeps and trick plays like the "28 Gator Halfback Pass." Players used wristbands to call plays, allowing the kids to execute concepts drawn from strategies while building their skills. Under his guidance, the previously struggling team achieved an 8–2 record and advanced to the league championship game, where they fell short. The experience was deeply personal for Payton, providing an opportunity to reconnect with his family amid the professional turmoil of his suspension; as he later reflected, "I needed them more than they needed me." Coaching Connor's team allowed him to focus on father-son bonding and youth development, away from the high-stakes environment. Payton departed after the 2012 season following his reinstatement by the league, returning to lead the Saints in 2013.

New Orleans Saints (2013–2021)

Following his reinstatement by NFL Commissioner on January 22, 2013, after serving a one-year suspension related to the bounty scandal, Sean Payton returned as head coach of the for the 2013 season. The team finished with an 11–5 regular-season record, securing a wild-card playoff berth after defeating the 26–24 in the wild-card round. Their postseason run ended with a 23–15 divisional playoff loss to the . The Saints experienced three consecutive 7–9 seasons from 2014 to 2016, missing the playoffs each year amid defensive struggles and injuries, though Payton's offense continued to rank among the league's better units in scoring. Payton guided a remarkable resurgence starting in 2017, leading the team to four straight division titles from 2017 to 2020, with regular-season records of 11–5 in 2017, 13–3 in 2018, 13–3 in 2019, and 12–4 in 2020. During this period, the Saints made the playoffs each year, advancing to the in 2018 after a 20–14 divisional win over the , only to fall 26–23 in overtime to the in a controversial finish marred by a missed call. Other postseason results included a 2017 divisional loss to the (29–24), a 2019 wild-card defeat to the (26–20 in overtime), and a 2020 divisional loss to the (31–23). Over his second stint with the Saints from 2013 to 2021, Payton compiled a 90–51 regular-season record, emphasizing offensive efficiency in partnership with quarterback Drew Brees, whose precise passing fueled top-10 rankings in points scored in seven of those nine seasons, including leading the in 2018 (522 points) and 2019 (510 points). The 2021 season ended with a 9–8 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016, as the team adjusted to life without the retired Brees and dealt with injuries at . On January 25, 2022, Payton announced his decision to step away from coaching after the season, citing a desire for rest and family time following 16 total years with the Saints.

Retirement (2021–2023)

On January 25, 2022, following the conclusion of the , Sean Payton announced his decision to step down as head coach of the after 16 seasons with the team. In a , Payton expressed gratitude for his tenure, which included leading the Saints to a victory in , while emphasizing his intent to focus on personal matters rather than immediate coaching opportunities. During his time away from the sideline in , Payton prioritized and personal reflection, spending much of the summer at his lake house in with his wife and children, engaging in activities such as and travel. He described the break as an opportunity to recharge after nearly two decades in high-stakes coaching, reflecting on his career achievements and the emotional toll of the role. While he briefly contributed to NFL broadcasting, Payton's primary emphasis remained on bonding and physical . By late 2022, Payton indicated a growing interest in returning to coaching, stating in interviews that he anticipated resuming his professional career in 2023. This sentiment aligned with the Denver Broncos' extensive head coaching search following their 2022 season, during which the team requested permission to interview him on January 7, 2023. Negotiations progressed rapidly, culminating in an agreement between the Broncos and Saints on January 31, 2023, for the rights to hire Payton, which included a trade of a 2023 first-round draft pick and a 2024 second-round pick. Payton was officially introduced as the Broncos' head coach on February 6, 2023, marking the end of his retirement period.

Denver Broncos (2023–present)

On January 31, 2023, the Denver Broncos agreed to a trade with the New Orleans Saints to acquire Sean Payton as head coach, sending the Saints their 2023 first-round draft pick (No. 29 overall) and 2024 second-round pick in exchange for Payton and the Saints' 2024 third-round pick. Payton, who had retired from coaching in 2022, signed a five-year contract with Denver reportedly worth approximately $18 million per year. He was officially introduced as the 20th head coach in franchise history on February 3, 2023, with the goal of revitalizing a team that had finished 5-12 the previous season. In his first season with the Broncos in 2023, Payton focused on an offensive rebuild centered around Russell , implementing a scheme that emphasized ball control and efficiency despite early struggles. The team finished with an 8-9 record, placing second in the but missing the playoffs for the eighth consecutive year. ranked 19th in the in (21.0) and 26th in total yards per game (298.4), showing incremental progress in red-zone efficiency but hampered by turnovers and inconsistent protection. Payton instilled a new emphasis on accountability and preparation, marking a shift in team culture from prior years. During the 2024 offseason, the Broncos released Wilson on March 4, absorbing a record $85 million in dead cap space to reset the position and clear financial flexibility for future moves. This decision, coupled with drafting rookie in the first round, allowed Payton to tailor the offense further to his preferences. The 2024 season saw significant offensive improvements, with finishing 10-7 and third in the . The team clinched its first playoff berth since 2015 with a dominant 38-0 victory over the in Week 18. However, they were eliminated in the Wild Card round, losing 31-7 to the . Payton's squad ranked 10th in (25.0), a notable jump from 2023, driven by better play-action usage and Nix's development. A key milestone came on October 17, 2024, when a 33-10 win over the Saints made Payton the eighth in history to defeat all 32 teams. As of December 10, 2025, in Payton's third season, the Broncos hold an 11–2 record and lead the , positioning them as strong contenders with a defense allowing just 18.1 points per game. The offense has continued to evolve, ranking 14th in scoring (23.7 points per game) while benefiting from Payton's personnel substitutions and a culture of high expectations that has fostered greater player buy-in and competitiveness. Ahead of the December 14, 2025, game against the Green Bay Packers, Payton commented on the need to feature wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. more often in the offense. This marks the franchise's best start since , reflecting sustained improvements in execution and team cohesion under Payton's leadership.

Professional achievements

Head coaching record

Sean Payton has compiled a regular season record of 179–107 (.626) through the first 11 games of the 2025 season. His postseason record stands at 9–8 (.529), highlighted by a victory in following the 2009 season. Among active head coaches, Payton ranks third in total regular season wins and 13th in .

New Orleans Saints (2006–2021)

During his tenure from 2006 to 2021, Payton led the Saints to victory in Super Bowl XLIV following the 2009 season, nine playoff appearances, and seven NFC South division titles. He is widely regarded as the greatest coach in franchise history.
YearWinsLossesTiesFinishPlayoffs
200610601st Won Wild Card; Lost Divisional Round
20077903rd —
20088804th —
200913301st Won Divisional Round; Won NFC Championship; Won
201011502nd Lost Wild Card
201113301st Won Wild Card; Lost Divisional Round
201311502nd Won Wild Card; Lost Divisional Round
20147902nd —
20157903rd —
20167903rd —
201711501st Won Wild Card; Lost Divisional Round
201813301st Won Wild Card; Lost NFC Championship
201913301st Lost Wild Card
202012401st Won Wild Card; Lost Divisional Round
20219802nd —
Source: All data from Pro-Football-Reference.com

Denver Broncos (2023–present)

YearWinsLossesTiesFinishPlayoffs
20238903rd —
202410702nd Lost Wild Card
20259201st (through 11 games)—
Source: All data from Pro-Football-Reference.com

Coaching tree

Sean Payton's coaching tree encompasses numerous assistants from his tenures with the New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos who have advanced to prominent roles as coordinators or head coaches across the NFL and college football. Key assistants include Pete Carmichael, who served as offensive coordinator for the Saints from 2009 to 2023 under Payton and later joined the Broncos as a senior offensive assistant; Joe Lombardi, Payton's Saints offensive coordinator from 2012 to 2015, who subsequently held the same role with the Los Angeles Rams in 2017, Detroit Lions from 2021 to 2023, and rejoined Payton as Broncos offensive coordinator in 2023; Doug Marrone, an offensive line coach with the Saints from 2006 to 2008; Dennis Allen, defensive coordinator for the Saints from 2006 to 2010 and 2015 to 2021; Dan Campbell, assistant head coach for the Saints from 2016 to 2020; Aaron Glenn, defensive backs coach for the Saints from 2016 to 2020; Joe Brady, quarterbacks coach for the Saints in 2017 and 2018; Ryan Nielsen, defensive line coach for the Saints from 2017 to 2022; Curtis Johnson, wide receivers coach for the Saints from 2009 to 2011; John Morton, passing game coordinator for the Broncos in 2024; Declan Doyle, tight ends coach for the Broncos in 2024; Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator for the Broncos since 2024; Jim Leonhard, defensive backs coach for the Broncos since 2023; Davis Webb, quarterbacks coach for the Broncos since 2023; Zach Strief, offensive line coach for the Broncos since 2023; Mike Westhoff, assistant head coach for the Broncos since 2023; Joe Vitt, senior defensive assistant for the Broncos since 2023; Brian Young, defensive line coach for the Saints from 2019 to 2023; Rob Ryan, defensive coordinator for the Saints from 2013 to 2015; and Klint Kubiak, who worked in quality control roles with the Saints early in his career under Payton. The tree branches prominently from Payton's Saints era (2006–2021), where many coordinators and position coaches emerged, and his Broncos era (2023–present), which has seen rapid promotions for recent assistants. For instance:
  • Saints Era Branches:
    • Offensive: Pete Carmichael (Saints OC 2009–2023), (Saints OC 2012–2015), Joe Brady (Bills OC 2024–present), Curtis Johnson (Tulane HC 2012–2015).
    • Defensive: Dennis Allen (Raiders HC 2012–2014; Saints HC 2022–2024; Bears DC 2025), (Lions HC 2021–present), (Jets HC 2025–present), (Jaguars DC 2023; DC 2024), ( DC 2013; Bills DC 2015).
    • Other: (Bills HC 2013–2014; Jaguars HC 2017–2020), Brian Young (Saints DC 2024).
  • Broncos Era Branches:
    • Offensive: John Morton (Lions OC 2025), Declan Doyle (Bears OC 2025), Davis Webb (potential coordinator trajectory).
    • Defensive: Vance Joseph (Broncos HC 2017–2018), Jim Leonhard (Packers DC 2022), Mike Westhoff (former Jets DC 2006–2012), Joe Vitt (Saints interim HC 2012).
    • Other: Zach Strief (ongoing OL development role).
This structure highlights over 20 coaches who progressed under Payton, with many retaining ties to his systems. Notable successes include Super Bowl participants and winners among protégés, such as leading the Lions to NFC Championship appearances in 2023 and 2024; Dennis Allen contributing to the Saints' victory as before his head coaching stints; and guiding the Jaguars to the in 2017. Current head coaches like (Jets) and (assumed progression in 2025 context) exemplify ongoing impact, while coordinators such as Joe Brady (Bills), John Morton (Lions), and Declan Doyle (Bears) have driven top-ranked offenses in recent seasons. Payton's influence on modern NFL offenses is evident through his assistants' adoption of his principles, including versatile personnel groupings, tempo-based schemes, and innovative play design, which have shaped high-scoring units like the Lions under Campbell and Bills under Brady.

Honors and awards

Sean Payton has received numerous accolades throughout his coaching career, highlighted by his leadership of the New Orleans Saints to victory in Super Bowl XLIV following the 2009 season. In recognition of his success in guiding the Saints to a 10-6 record and an NFC Championship appearance in his inaugural season despite the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Payton was named the Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year in 2006. He also earned the Pro Football Writers of America Coach of the Year award that year. Additionally, Payton received the Sporting News NFL Coach of the Year honor in 2006 and again in 2009, reflecting his role in leading the Saints to a 13-3 regular season record and the franchise's first Super Bowl title. Payton was awarded the Greasy Neale Coach of the Year Award by the Maxwell Football Club in both 2006 and 2009 for his innovative offensive schemes and team turnarounds. In 2010, he was selected as the Allstate Sugar Bowl's Outstanding Coach for , honoring his contributions to the Saints' championship run. For his broader impact on college athletics and professional football, Payton received the NCAA Silver Anniversary Award in 2012, which recognizes former student-athletes for distinguished post-collegiate careers. Payton has been inducted into several halls of fame, including the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000, where his No. 18 jersey was retired in 2010 for his standout performance as a , including All-America honors as a senior in 1986. He was also inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019 for his 15-year tenure that produced 152 regular-season wins and a .620 , the highest in franchise history. In October 2024, Payton achieved a significant milestone by becoming the seventh in history to secure a victory against all 32 teams, accomplished with a 33-10 win over his former team, the Saints. He was named a finalist for the 2024 AP Coach of the Year award after leading the to an 8-3 start, though he did not win.

Media and other activities

Broadcasting career

Following his retirement from coaching after the 2021 season, Sean Payton joined in May 2022 as a fill-in studio analyst for the NFL Sunday pregame show, stepping in for Jimmy Johnson on select weeks. In this role, Payton contributed to multiple episodes throughout the , offering analysis on game strategies, player performances, and coaching decisions drawn from his extensive experience as a . Payton's broadcasting work extended to guest appearances on other networks, including a spot on ESPN's ManningCast during the New Orleans Saints' Week 9 game against the Baltimore Ravens in November 2022, where he discussed trends and his former team's dynamics. His commentary was noted for providing a unique insider's perspective, leveraging his 16 years as an to break down complex offensive schemes and in-game adjustments in an accessible manner for viewers. This approach was praised for adding depth to discussions, particularly on topics like play-calling and team preparation, which resonated with audiences seeking expert insights beyond typical punditry. Payton's broadcasting stint concluded in early 2023 when he agreed to a trade from the to the , returning to the sideline as and ending his brief media role after one season.

Selected works

Payton co-authored the book Home Team: Coaching the Saints and New Orleans Back to Life with Ellis , published in June 2010 by , which details his experiences leading the through the aftermath of and toward their victory. The memoir emphasizes Payton's coaching strategies and the team's role in the city's recovery, receiving positive reviews for its inspirational tone and behind-the-scenes insights into operations. Payton is the central figure in the 2022 comedy film Home Team, directed by Charles Kinnane and Daniel Kinnane, which dramatizes his one-year suspension from the in 2012 for his involvement in the and his subsequent volunteer coaching stint with his son's youth football team at Liberty Christian School in . Portrayed by , Payton's character navigates family reconciliation and youth football challenges; Payton himself appears in a brief cameo as a janitor named Lionel at the Saints' facility. Released on on January 28, 2022, the film earned mixed-to-negative critical reception, with a 23% approval rating on for its formulaic storytelling despite its feel-good premise. Payton is prominently featured in the NFL Films documentary NFL Super Bowl XLIV: New Orleans Saints Champions, released in 2010 on DVD and Blu-ray, which chronicles the Saints' 2009 season and their 31-17 victory over the in . The production includes interviews with Payton discussing key decisions, such as the game's opening recovery, and over two hours of game footage and locker-room access, highlighting his offensive innovations that propelled the franchise's first championship.

Personal life and public image

Personal life

Payton was first married to Beth Shuey, whom he met while serving as an offensive coordinator at , and the couple wed on July 11, 1992. They had two children together: daughter Meghan, born in 1997, and son Connor, born on May 31, 2000. The marriage ended in , with proceedings initiated in June 2012 and finalized in 2014. Meghan Payton graduated from in 2019 with a degree in and media production; in June 2025, she joined cllct media as a Brand Marketing & Content Strategist, having previously worked as a host and analyst for , where she earned an Emmy Award in 2020 for her contributions to NFL Network's NFL 100 series. Connor Payton is a graduate of and has expressed interest in pursuing a career in NFL front office operations, having interned in the ' scouting department in 2022. During Payton's one-year suspension from the NFL in 2012, he coached Connor's sixth-grade youth football team, the Liberty Christian Warriors, in the area, fostering family involvement in the sport. Payton married Skylene Montgomery, a former 2008 and , on June 18, 2021, in an intimate ceremony in , , following their engagement on , 2019. The couple met in 2014 when Montgomery, seeking tickets to a Saints game, mistakenly contacted Payton's phone number; they bonded during a pre-game event shortly after his divorce. Montgomery has been a visible supporter of Payton's career transition to the Denver Broncos in 2023. For much of his tenure with the Saints, Payton resided in New Orleans, including a Greek Revival mansion in the Uptown neighborhood and a condo in the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences. Upon joining the Broncos, he purchased a $4.55 million home in the gated Belcaro neighborhood of in March 2023. The family also maintains a lake house in , where Payton spent time during his 2022 . Payton is an avid golfer who has participated in exclusive events, including a "breakfast club" at Gozzer Ranch Golf & Lake Club and caddying for PGA Tour player at the 2013 Greenbrier Classic. He frequently plays with high-profile figures such as and . Payton and his wife Skylene are active in , particularly supporting pediatric care; in November 2024, they donated $150,000 to to fund an adaptive playground featuring wheelchair-accessible swings and other features, which opened in October 2025. In February 2025, Payton received the NFL Coaching Steinberg DeNicola Humanitarian Award for his leadership and humanitarian efforts. Their involvement stems from personal connections to pediatric cancer, including Payton's 2014 interactions with young patient Bailey Elizabeth Leon, whom he visited before her death and whose funeral he attended, placing a game ball from a Saints victory in her casket. The couple hosts hospital patients at Broncos games, sharing their stories with the team for inspiration. Payton also faced a challenge in March 2020 when he tested positive for but recovered quickly after experiencing mild flu-like symptoms. In 2024, he underwent on both eyes. Sean Payton has been portrayed in the 2022 Netflix comedy film Home Team, directed by Charles Kinnane and , where actor depicts him as the suspended head coach who coaches his son's youth football team during the 2012 NFL suspension stemming from the bounty scandal. The movie, inspired by Payton's real-life experience, emphasizes themes of family reconnection and humility, with Payton himself making a as a janitor at the ' facility toward the film's conclusion. While the portrayal captures elements of Payton's coaching intensity and personal life, it takes creative liberties, such as exaggerating comedic aspects of his youth coaching stint for entertainment value. Payton's story has also been featured in NFL documentaries, including the 2020 NFL Network special NFL 360: Cutting Oranges, which chronicles his time coaching his son's sixth-grade team during his suspension, highlighting lessons in leadership and perspective from the youth level. Additionally, he appears in interviews within the 2010 documentary The Saints Are Coming, produced by the organization, which documents the team's recovery efforts and community role following , showcasing Payton's early tenure and motivational style. In broader media, Payton is referenced for his distinctive coaching persona, earning the nickname "Game Day Sean" among players and staff for his intense, alter-ego-like focus during games, a trait often highlighted in broadcasts and analyses. His innovative play-calling and sideline energy have inspired memes and online discussions, particularly around his Super Bowl-winning strategies and transitions to teams like the , contributing to his image as a cerebral, high-stakes football tactician in popular commentary.

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  129. https://www.neworleanssaints.com/video/saintsarecoming
  130. https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/152568/rob-ryans-not-the-only-one-who-feels-wrath-of-game-day-sean-payton
  131. https://www.denverpost.com/2023/08/29/sean-payton-playcaller-eastern-illinois-nfl/
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