Sean Payton to Return as Saints HC: Latest Comments and Reaction

The New Orleans Saints chose Wednesday to retain head coach Sean Payton despite speculation he would be fired, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport.

Payton told reporters he met with general manager Mickey Loomis on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. He noted his "working and personal relationship is strong with Mickey Loomis."

"I understand the interest and skepticism, but this is where I plan on coaching," Payton told reporters. "I don't envision myself coaching anywhere else."

"I never take for granted our fanbase and how supportive they've been," Payton said. "There's something about this city."

"I'll be there as long as they'll have me," Payton added.

The Saints limped to a 7-9 record in 2014 and failed to win the mediocre NFC South, putting Payton firmly on the hot seat heading into this season. However, the organization decided to keep him in New Orleans despite another 7-9 campaign in 2015.

There was speculation Payton had been considering a change, with Rapoport reporting Tuesday the 52-year-old would either be in New Orleans or go to the Bay Area to become head coach of the San Francisco 49ers next season.

"I know it appeared there was a looming decision...but here I am," Payton told reporters. Nothing's changing."

Payton also noted "no one was giving up the compensation that Loomis was looking for." 

Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reiterated Payton's interest in leaving New Orleans but also touched on fair compensation as the hurdle for other teams.

Payton's track record with the organization could have played a role in the return as well. He led the Saints to a Super Bowl title in the 2009 season as well as five playoff appearances and three division titles in his nine seasons as head coach.

He was a key figure, along with quarterback Drew Brees, in the revitalization of a Saints team that meant so much to the community in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.  

Long considered one of the more innovative offensive minds in the game, Payton still possesses a sparkling 87-57 overall record and helped turn Brees into a superstar. The last two years have not been kind to Payton or the Saints, but based on the legacy he's built in New Orleans, he has the acumen to bring the team back to prominence. 

Changes could be coming elsewhere in the organization, however, as the team looks to rebuild. The Saints may yet choose to cut ties with Brees and his big contract in order to reshuffle the roster or at least renegotiate that deal. For now, the status quo is intact in Louisiana.