Sean Payton Rumors: Latest Speculation and News on Coach's Future with Saints

As the New Orleans Saints attempt to clinch the NFC South division crown, Sean Payton has had to fend off speculation that he may not be the long-term fit for the franchise.

Continue for updates.

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Payton Linked to Michigan Wolverines

Sunday, Dec. 21

CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported Michigan is monitoring Payton's future with the Saints:

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Michigan has maintained a desire to land [Jim] Harbaugh's brother, John, as well, sources said, but the Ravens coach has made it clear he has no interest in leaving Baltimore. Other NFL coaches on the school's radar include New Orleans' Sean Payton, Buffalo's Doug Marrone and Dallas' Jason Garrett (who is expected to sign an extension with the Cowboys shortly after the season).

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Payton's Saints are in position to earn a playoff berth after a rough start, so the timing of La Canfora's report might confuse many fans. While there has been controversy during his tenure with the franchise, Payton has guided the Saints to become one of the more dangerous offenses in the league in addition to a Super Bowl victory.

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Payton Responds to King

Thursday, Dec. 11

Peter King of MMQB.com questioned whether Sean Payton might have the urge to leave the New Orleans Saints for another team this offseason. Payton answered that speculation definitively.

The Saints' official Twitter account posted Payton's remarks:

King's speculation wasn't without some basis. The Saints have limped to a 5-8 start this season and have been one of the NFL's most disappointing teams after reaching the divisional round of the playoffs last season.

The team's poor play has even led to Payton benching safety Kenny Vaccaro, as Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network noted at the start of Monday's game against the Bears:

Alongside of the team's inconsistent play, Payton has regularly been seen berating defensive coordinator Rob Ryan on the sidelines during games. Perhaps that reaction has been justified—the Saints have the 31st-ranked defense in the NFL this year. Both parties have publicly said they aren't feuding and have respect for one another, however.

The Saints likely don't want to see Payton go anywhere. Despite the team's struggles this year, the coach has more than 70 wins at the helm and has led the team to five playoff appearances, three division titles and a Super Bowl title in 2009.

For the moment, it would appear that the coach doesn't want to go anywhere, either. It will be interesting to see how the Saints finish the season and if either party will change its tune if the team fails to reach the playoffs.