I saw someone's analogy to Payton's stepping down that really made sense. They referred to Bill Cowher and how he left coaching. I had followed Cowher and his career closely over the years. I knew his late wife, Kaye, from covering NC State athletics (she and her twin sister Faye played basketball) and he was captain of the football team and team MVP. Cowher's message was extremely similar to what Payton said during his hour and a half press conference. He too had coached for some 15 years with the Steelers. He too said he felt it was just time to step away. He too said while he might consider coaching again someday he just wanted to enjoy life. He too mentioned staying involved with football via broadcasting. It's now been 14 years since Cowher retired and he's the happiest he's been since well before Kaye passed away.

Payton is eight years older than Cowher was at the time. I would not be at all surprised if his coaching days are done, as well. There's nowhere he can coach where he had the freedom and support that he had in New Orleans. He absolutely doesn't need the money. He certainly doesn't need the pressure. His kids are both grown and could be starting families themselves. He said in his press conference that he and Skylene were staying in Louisiana and moving to a new property in New Orleans. It sounds as though he just wants to settle down. He appeared to be genuinely happy and relaxed. Just like Cowher.

If Payton is tired of Goodell's nonsense I wonder if his eventual return to coaching might be with a college team.