Sean Payton lists former NFL coach and two-time Super Bowl champion Bill Parcells as his mentor. These days, the New Orleans Saints coach may need that support more than ever. Facing a season-long suspension for his role in the Saints’ bounty program, Payton planned to meet with Parcells—his former boss—today for a conversation that will include who will coach New Orleans this coming season. Speaking this morning at the NFL meetings, Payton says he talks regularly with Parcells and has sought his counsel often throughout this process. He added that he, general manager Mickey Loomis—who is facing an eight-game suspension—and team owner Tom Benson are weighing a number of scenarios; and Payton says a decision whether he will appeal the suspension is likely in the next “two to three” days. “We’ve gone through just an early—between Mickey, myself, Mr. Benson—just an early synopsis of what our options would be,” Payton says. “We’ll continue to do that when we get back to Metairie. Even this morning some, we’re going to have some breakfast and discuss that matter. Fortunately, we feel like we’ve got a number of good candidates. The trick then is what it does to affect their roles that they currently have.” One role Payton is certain about: He’s “100 percent” confident he will coach the Saints in 2013. Get the full story from The Associated Press here.
Today’s poll question: Would you like to see Bill Parcells coach the New Orleans Saints while Sean Payton serves out his yearlong suspension?
