Sean Payton is enjoying a year away from the NFL sideline, but the former New Orleans Saints head coach and one of the best play-callers of his era could be eyeing a specific landing spot for a return in 2023.

The 58-year-old stepped away from coaching this offseason, announcing a leave of absence rather than retirement. Immediately after making his decision, multiple NFL teams inquired about his interest in coaching them. The Miami Dolphins were the most prominent club, making an aggressive pursuit of the Saints’ coach that ultimately played a role in their punishment from the NFL for tampering.

  • Sean Payton coaching record: 152-89 in the regular season, 9-8 in the postseason

Payton is currently working for Fox Sports as an NFL analyst. While he is delivering unique insight and personality into the role, the Super Bowl-winning coach has also made it clear that there is a desire to return to the sidelines.

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“If the right situation presented itself, I would definitely be interested. And there’s no utopia, if you will, when it comes to teams, but if I felt like it was the right situation, I would have an interest in that. That all being said, that could come in a year, that could come in two years.”