RockyMountainSaint

Payton’s in no hurry to hire a new defensive coordinator | ProFootballTalk
With the 2013 hiring cycle nearing a conclusion, the Saints are just getting started in their search for a new defensive coordinator.

But coach Sean Payton isn’t concerned about that. He says that the team will take its time in finding someone to run its new 3-4 defense.

“This one’s different because of the timing and because of the uniqueness of the situation. There’s not any one candidate in mind,” Payton tells Mike Triplett of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. “I know it appears to people that it’s late in the process. But I don’t think it is. We’ll be fairly patient, take our time in this decision. Obviously, it’s going to involve philosophically a change, as well.

“We’re going to want to be deliberate, look at our league closely. And I wouldn’t discount looking at the college game as well.”

Payton explained that the success of the 3-4 system has drawn him to it.

“For me and Mickey [Loomis] as well, some studies we’ve done and just seeing some of these teams weekly and the two teams playing in the Super Bowl, just having to attack it. It presents issues in running game, presents protection issues. I just know coaching on offense what it does to you . . . really from my own experience, when we played against a 3-4 teams a handful of teams.”

Still, Payton didn’t get to where he is without having a good plan. And there’s no reason to expose that plan publicly now, especially with teams like the Eagles still searching for a coordinator. Eventually, the Saints will make a hire — and it’ll likely be the guy they wanted all along.

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SmashMouth

But sooner than later, if possible, would be prudent.

RockyMountainSaint

I have to believe that he and Mickey already are in talks with their target.

jeanpierre

We're getting into the intense part of the scouting season - they can't wait...

xan

Won't you need that DC to help evaluate players who might fit in with a 3-4?

Just askin'.

Mardigras9

Not worried, Payton has a plan. You can believe that.

NuNu318

Don't let the deliberate talk fool you. He said the same exact thing last offseason then like a week or 2 later Spags was hired.

Crusader

Of course they are. SP is great at putting out dem smokescreens.

TheOak

Someone was talking to a target after the Red Skins game.

Rugby Saint II

You never know with Payton.
Now, go fire whoever scouts the large Universities defensive prospects.