07 January 2023 , 15:15
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Former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton is likely the hottest commodity heading into the NFL's 2023 season with his intentions to return to the sport after taking a year out this campaign.
Arguably the best offensive-mind of this millennium, Payton has been on a media tour as of late as he will likely have a number of teams who will be queuing up to hire him - with the 59-year-old likely wanting to be partnered with an elite quarterback.
And with Tom Brady set to become a free agent, rumours are circling that Payton could join the team who Brady signs for, with the coaches former franchise, the New Orleans Saints, a potential candidate.
The Saints are reportedly hopeful that Payton will return to the team, and could apparently pair him with defensive-mastermind Vic Fangio to form an impressive-sounding coaching team, with the potential of adding Brady as their quarterback, claim ProFootballTalk.
And on Saturday, Payton opened up on potentially working with Brady in the future, when asked if they could link up in New Orleans.
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Speaking to Peter Schrager, Payton said: "There are a number of things that will play into Tom's decision, and I cannot speak for him. I haven't spoken to him but I am certainly a big fan of his.
"We have known each other for years, we are from the same part of California, he went to high school where my brother went and we have the same agent. Over the years we have stayed in touch but have never worked together. There are too many variables in that equation."
It is not yet known whether Brady will play next season (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)Payton then dropped his biggest hint on Brady's future. He said: "If we do work together, I am going to predict that it will be with FOX."
This in reference to Brady's job that he will walk into after he retires, as a lead analyst for FOX Sports. He is set to earn $37.5 million annually over a ten-year contract, which is remarkably more than his current salary as the quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
It is not yet known whether Brady will continue playing next season, but may be swayed to walk away after a difficult year with the Buccaneers.
The team will make the playoffs after every other team in his division has a losing record, meaning it's the 14th consecutive season he'll play in the post-season, where they are expected to face the Dallas Cowboys in the first-round.