The end of the regular season typically marks the end of underperforming coaches as well. Chip Kelly and Jim Tomsula were shown the door, Tom Coughlin called it quits and Sean Payton may be traded. Wait, what?
Yes, the New Orleans Saints are reportedly entertaining the idea of trading head coach Sean Payton for a second-round pick, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport. There appears to be a handful of teams interested in the Super Bowl winning coach, including the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants. The Indianapolis Colts are a possible landing spot as well. Though both Payton and the Saints are saying all the right things when it comes to the continuation of their working relationship, it's clear that Payton has plenty of options should he voice his desire to leave town.
If that came to pass, New Orleans would need to find a capable replacement for the man who has lead them to 87-57 (.604) regular season record and five post-season berths in nine seasons. That man appears to be former Buffalo Bills head coach and current Jacksonville Jaguars assistant coach Doug Marrone.
CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reports that Marrone "tops the Saints list" when it comes to potential replacements. Marrone served as Payton's offensive coordinator from 2006-2008, when the Saints finished first, fourth and first in total offense, respectively. His familiarity with general manager Mickey Loomis and the Saints organization would serve him well as a candidate. But that doesn't mean it's a slam dunk.
Should the Saints need to replace Payton, they would likely face some competition for Marrone's services. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Miami Dolphins will interview Marrone this week for their open head coaching vacancy. NFL Media's Rand Getlin notes that the Cleveland Browns will also sit down with Marrone.
Though Marrone's tenure with the Bills ended unceremoniously - he opted out after just two seasons - he did manage to improve the team. Clearly, teams are still interested and odds are Marrone will find himself a new coaching gig this offseason.
