I'm not so sure the choice was Sean Payton's to make. In my opinion
it was more like make the necessary changes or he was out the door.
You can say a lot of things about Coach Payton but you can't say
he's stupid.

Yep, patience is wearing thin. There is going to be loyalty from Benson for him having won so much in the past, but this is three straight losing seasons and 4 of the last 5

Yes, patience is clearly wearing thin. Payton's patience. And he did something about it. Payton isn't some spineless figurehead of a coach that can be pushed around. Do you seriously think that Payton is anymore satisfied than you with 7-9 records? Most likely he is far more dissatisfied and the greater difference is that HE can actually do something about it other than griping. Everything that I have read or heard about the relationships inside the Saints front office is that Payton runs everything that has to do with football operations. Loomis answers to him in everything outside of financial implications of contracts and the cap. This is pretty much the same way the Patriots operate. Could you ever imagine Belichick being told to do something concerning operations? Nope. Same structure as with Payton and the Saints.

Agreed...

Payton - "I want players x, y and z. Make it happen"
Loomis - "Yes sir"

Exactly. The Patriots simply take it one step further and do not have anyone with the official title of GM. They have someone that does exactly the same job as Loomis though, and their duty is to handle cap related issues. Payton runs the whole show. That has been stated many times by those "in the know".

True Dat! Payton runs the show.

True Dat! Payton runs the show. The thing is Payton needs a handler to reign in his gambling tendencies. Most of the good franchises have a football knowledgeable GM who is qualified to lead the coach to the right decision.