Social Media Reacts to Sean Payton Stepping Down as Saints Head Coach
The News
Breaking: Sean Payton has decided to step away as the Saints' coach after 16 years, a source confirmed to @MikeTriplett.
News of Payton's decision was first reported by NFL Network. pic.twitter.com/H0CoXOIj0E
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 25, 2022
One fan wrote: "Sometimes a change is needed he had a lot of success with the saints and the owners and fans will love him forever…"
prevnextQuite the Resume
Sean Payton as Saints HC (2006-2021):
⚜️152-89 Overall Record
— PFF (@PFF) January 25, 2022
⚜️5 Seasons with 12+ Wins
⚜️AP Coach of the Year (2006)
⚜️Super Bowl XLIV Champion pic.twitter.com/gX9Rqdyyal
Another fan wrote: "Thank you Coach Payton! You are a complete legend for kicking a surprise onside kick in the SB and then winning it. Saints fans will never forget you."
prevnextChanging Perception
Sean Payton changed the entire perception of the Saints as a franchise. He deserves nothing but praise and gratitude from Saints fans. He has to do what’s best for him in his life. It was a great ride. Sad to see it end, (if it’s over) but thrilled that it happened. #whodat ⚜️
— stan verrett (@stanverrett) January 25, 2022
One person said: "John Madden & Vince Lombardi both coached 10 seasons in the [NFL]. Sean Payton has 15 years with [Saints]. All three men are Super Bowl coaches, and all 3 are Hall of Famers."
prevnextLooking Back
Sean Payton met this afternoon for 35 minutes with the Saints’ football staff to let it know he was moving on. They told stories about the past, and reflected on what they accomplished. Payton told staff he has no current plans for the upcoming season. He has time to figure out.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 25, 2022
One fan tweeted: "A team is a little harder to coach and the game becomes a little more difficult when you don't have a franchise QB like Drew, Patrick, or Kirk. A shame to see Sean run away from a challenge, but this is why it's important to have an elite gunslinger under center."
prevnextNot Coaching In 2022
There are many things Sean Payton could do this year; coaching an NFL team is unlikely to be one. He remains under contract to New Orleans for three more seasons. He wants some time to decompress, and the Saints would want compensation if they ever were to relinquish his rights.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 25, 2022
Another fan wrote: "Worthy of compensation. Sean Payton did a phenomenal job this past season. Winning nine games with one of the most injury ravaged rosters in the league. Lost his quarterback, offensive tackles, his best receiver and had a banged up Kamara all year. Beat Tampa twice and Green Bay."
prevnextCoaching Short-List
Sean Payton's 15 seasons as Saints coach ...
• 152 wins.
• .631 winning percentage.
• Super Bowl XLIV champion.
• 7 NFC South titles.
• Top 5 in total offense 11 (!!!) times.... And his role in post-Katrina New Orleans is a part of his legacy, too.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 25, 2022
One fan replied: "Has his role in pushing money back and putting them 74M over the cap to. Now he leaves and doesn't have to deal with it and the next regime is set up for failure."
prevnextThoughts From a Falcons Fan
Saints coach, previously suspended for illegal bounty program, is now former Saints coach https://t.co/KRSxZfuMGe pic.twitter.com/KJpdURyJ2V
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) January 25, 2022
And this fan wrote: "He was the fall guy for the league. Most teams had their own version of a headhunting payment system. Maybe not to the extent of the Saints with spreadsheets and s—, but they did."
prev