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Sean Payton is a coach for the ages: An editorial
The Times-Picayune

Saints quarterback Drew Brees and cornerback Tracy Porter are getting star treatment for their Super Bowl heroics, as they should.
But the man riding atop Orpheus' Smokey Mary float in Tuesday night's victory parade deserves accolades as well. Sean Payton not only showed more courage than the Colts' vaunted leaders, but he and his coaching staff out-smarted them.
Starting the third quarter with an onside kick is being called one of the boldest moves in Super Bowl history. "The hero, believe me, is Sean Payton," said Mike Ditka, Hall of Famer and NFL analyst for ESPN.
The kick showed "guts," he said. Monday Night Football analyst and former quarterback Ron Jaworski used the same word.
And the play worked, beautifully. The Saints recovered the kick and drove 42 yards for a touchdown. Colts quarterback Peyton Manning was left sitting on the bench waiting to get back into a game that was slipping away from him.
Coach Payton's aggressive strategy for the game was in stark contrast to the Colts' timid approach.
That's the reason the Saints won the Super Bowl, Mr. Jaworski said: "the aggressive, gunslinger style of Sean Payton." But it is a gunslinger style based in intense preparation and with well-earned trust in his players.
Coach Payton has forever cemented his place in the hearts of Saints fans with this championship season.
It is more than the wins that people will remember, though. We also will cherish how generously he has shared the experience with fans and the sense of community he expressed every time he was in front of a microphone.
"Everybody back in New Orleans gets a piece of this trophy," he said as he hoisted the Lombardi Trophy amid a swirl of confetti Sunday night.
Words can't fully capture our feelings. So we'll just say, thank you.

Sean Payton is a coach for the ages: An editorial | Opinions - - NOLA.com

falconhater

AMEN What a coach What a Man!!! I want to be him when i grow up

OldMaid

Ditka is an esteemed coach and SB winning coach.

I think SPayton is on his way to becoming league name in coaching.

I not believe in saying his is one of the greatest yet.

The guy is young and has many years to go in his career.

Choupique

Ditka is a tubesteak. My grandmother could have coached Walter Payton to a Super Bowl.

I do agree with his statements, but I don't like the dude. He may be esteemed to you but he is reviled by many. Ricky Williams liked him.

OldMaid

Ok, LOL,but Ditka , being an esteemed coach, gave S.Payton a big compliment there.


Yea,Walter Payton, on and off the field was a great player and class act.

And Ricky Williams, is the name I was looking for , but could not think of for another post. Thanks.

Euphoria

Even just winning one I say he automatically becomes a legend.

breesfan27

Coach Ditka isn't my favorite person in the world. To each his/her own, I guess.

I like Coach Payton. He has a good head on his shoulders. He will take this team far!