Sean Payton steps down after coaching the Saints for more than 15 years

NEW ORLEANS —

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton announced he is stepping away from coaching Tuesday in a news conference.

Payton addressed media rumors of him taking a job in broadcasting, or another head coaching job.

He stopped short of calling his move retirement or labeling his decision at all.

“I don’t know what is next,” said Payton. “My hearts just not in coaching right now. It’s just not at all.”

Payton opened up his news conference thanking his team, his General Manager Mickey Loomis, and Saints owner Gayle Benson.

He channeled his inner “Ted Lasso,” offering her and members of the media “biscuit” King Cakes.

Payton became emotional looking back at his career as head coach.

He spoke about all the players that made an impact on his career, specifically speaking about the bond he and Drew Brees shared.

Payton said he called Brees Monday night about his decision to step down, and said he was supportive.

Payton stressed that his heart was no longer in coaching. He said he wants to focus on his health, spend time with his kids, and that he felt like now was a good time.

“Man, I felt like it was time. I kind of knew heading into training camp but I wanted to see how the season goes,” Payton said. “My mom always said to leave a place better than you found it. I think we did that.”

His team and Louisiana leaders reacted to his announcement with geunine emotional support and respect.

Gov. John Bel Edwards issued the following statement:

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell issued the following statement:

“Sean Payton delivered the first-ever Super Bowl to the City of New Orleans, and for over 16 years, he made the Saints a force to be reckoned with. Thank you, Coach Payton, for all that you did for the WhoDat nation!”

Payton’s career over the years:

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton arrived at the franchise’s lowest point, following Hurricane Katrina and a 2005 football season where the black and gold finished 3-13 overall.

From day one, Payton was all business.

“I want to build a consistent winner and I’m excited about being the coach of the Saints, I’m not sure I need to be the king of Mardi Gras, but I’m excited to be here,” Payton said in 2006.

He would go on to quickly rebuild the Saints and lift the team to its greatest achievement, a championship in Super Bowl XLIV.

For 15 years Payton teamed with future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees to create one of the greatest offenses in league history.

An offensive innovator capable of drawing up plays no defense could stop, and a quarterback who could execute the game plan at a level that made the Saints historic.

“Fans waited 40 years for a winner and they not only got that, but they got one of the greatest offenses in NFL history, it’s historic and will be remembered forever,” Mike Triplett with ESPN said.

In 2016, Payton considered a change and had his representatives explore a move to another NFL team. In the end, Payton stayed in New Orleans saying in a 2016 interview, “leave early the hero or stay too long and become the villain. I’m fine with that, I’m staying until they chase me out of town with torches.”

No one is doing that, Payton is simply riding his wagon away, taking a break from the sport he’s coached for more than three decades.

Overall, Payton won 161 games, he was the 2006 NFL coach of the year and his crowning achievement was, of course, hoisting the Lombardi Trophy and helping the franchise and city rebuild.