CheramieIII

Payton eager to get started with Saints

06:49 PM CST on Tuesday, January 17, 2006
By JEAN-JACQUES TAYLOR / The Dallas Morning News



IRVING – Cowboys assistant coach Sean Payton said Tuesday he can’t wait to start his new job as New Orleans Saints head coach.

Payton, 42, who accepted the position about 4:30 p.m., said a news conference to formally introduce him as Saints head coach will be held at noon Wednesday at the team’s facility in Metarie, La.

“It’s an exciting time, and I’m looking forward to it,� Payton told The Dallas Morning News as he left the club’s Valley Ranch training complex. “I’ve enjoyed my three years in Dallas, and I’ve learned a lot from working with a coach like Bill Parcells.�

Payton’s new job means the Cowboys will probably be looking for a play caller. They could also be looking for a couple of assistant coaches.

Payton has spoken to the Cowboys about allowing linebackers coach Gary Gibbs and offensive line coach and running game coordinator Tony Sparano to join him in New Orleans as coordinators. Each is under contract with the Cowboys, who do not have to let them leave even if the new jobs represent promotions.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen,� Payton said. “It’s going to take a few days to see what direction we’re going with the coordinators or if anyone will come with me.�

Owner Jerry Jones and coach Bill Parcells could not be reached for comment.

If Parcells wants to maintain the same setup, he could move receivers coach Todd Haley to passing game coordinator. Or he could decide to let Sparano run the entire offense.

Another option is hire an offensive coordinator and let Sparano focus entirely on the offensive line. If he chooses that option, Parcells might select Chris Palmer.

Palmer, the head coach when the Cleveland Browns returned to the NFL in 1999, was also the Houston Texans' offensive coordinator for three seasons. He and Parcells worked together in New England.

Payton replaces Jim Haslett, who was fired after five seasons. The Saints went 3-13 in a tumultuous season that saw them play home games in San Antonio and Baton Rouge, La., after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city.

Payton spent much of the day at Valley Ranch in staff meetings before serious negotiations on his multi-year package with the Saints began at 1 p.m. The negotiations continued for more than three hours before a deal was completed.

Payton spent the next hour saying good-bye to members of the organization.

“Sean is an excellent coach who definitely deserves this opportunity,� quarterback Drew Bledsoe said. “I will miss him, as will our team and organization...I'm sure he will be successful and a great asset to the Saints.�

Payton was an attractive candidate because of his ability to work with quarterbacks. He helped turn around Kerry Collins in New York and in Dallas had three different quarterbacks - Quincy Carter, Vinny Testaverde and Drew Bledsoe - pass for more than 3,000 yards.

The Saints, who have the No. 2 pick in the draft, are expected to release veteran quarterback Aaron Brooks and select Matt Leinart or Vince Young in the April draft.

“I've always been a big believer in Sean and his style and what he was doing,� said tight end Dan Campbell, who also played for Payton in New York. “He's one of the reasons I came down here because I knew what type of guy he was.�

http://www.cowboysplus.com/topstoryn....121fb104.html

He might be a good thing.

Golf and sex are about the only things you can enjoy without being good at them.
Jimmy Demaret

BlackandBlue

If we can get Gibbs, I don't think we'll go another year without addressing the linebacker position.

zachsaints52

If a class guy like Dan Campbell likes him, I could like him. Better than Haslett for sure. I hope we rebuild with taking out some players (Brooks, Howard, and Sullivan)