According to multiple reports, NFL coach Patrick Sean Payton, who coaches the New Orleans Saints, is stepping away, with Nick Owens confirming on Twitter that Payton will be retiring.
Payton spent 16 years with the Saints—though one year was spent on suspension in 2012 as a result of the NFL’s bounty investigation.
FOX Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer, who is a close friend to Sean Payton, previously reported Monday that Payton was considering retirement rather than moving to a different team.
Payton confirmed the news during a press conference on Tuesday when he said he doesn’t like the word “retirement” but teased the media with a glimmer of hope when he added that he can’t rule out a return to coaching in the future. But, he added, “that’s not where my heart is right now.”
Payton has admitted to considering a career in media, as he mentioned during the press conference, but as for him engaging in talks with companies and outlets—those are just rumors, he says.
The former Saints coach’s career record is 152-89 (.631 winning percentage) with 9-8 in the postseason.
This story is being updated.
