A new name has entered the chat for the Carolina Panthers’ head coaching position. And of the 11 known candidates, active in consideration or otherwise, it’s the biggest name yet.
As first reported by ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter on Sunday afternoon, the Carolina Panthers and owner David Tepper have received permission to speak with former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton about their vacancy.
Sources: The Carolina Panthers are the latest entrant into the Sean Payton Sweepstakes, receiving permission today to interview the former head coach of their NFC South rival. Carolina, Arizona, Denver and Houston are now all interested in hiring Payton.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 15, 2023
Payton coached the NFC South rival Saints for 15 seasons—a tenure which resulted in a 152-89 record. His run also brought New Orleans six division titles and a Super Bowl XLIV victory over the Indianapolis Colts in the 2009 campaign.
Although Payton spent the 2022 season away from the sidelines as a studio analyst for FOX, he remains under contract with the Saints through 2024. For the Panthers to hire the 59-year-old, they’ll have to agree to trade compensation with their NFC South rivals.
