Saints coach Sean Payton has not decided whether to continue coaching

Saints owner Gayle Benson told reporters on Monday that he doesn’t know if coach Sean Payton will continue coaching next season.

“I don’t think anyone knows, but he’ll tell us soon,” Benson said. Payton, 58, is currently under contract until the end of the 2024 season. According to reports, several TV broadcasters have already expressed interest in Payton.

The Saints went 9-8 this season and missed the playoffs for the first time in five years. But it was a combination of factors: the retirement of Drew Brees, injuries to a number of major players, cap space, the impact of the coronavirus. The Saints also had to practice in Dallas during the first month of the season because of the hurricane.

If Payton eventually decides to leave the team, the Saints’ next head coach candidates could be defensive coordinator Dennis Allen or offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr.