Another team has entered the fray for this year’s most talked-about head coaching candidate. The Panthers have requested and received permission to interview Sean Payton, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (Twitter link). 
Payton has, as expected, drawn considerable interest from HC-needy teams this offseason as he contemplates a return to the sidelines, something which is not guaranteed to take place during this year’s cycle. He is still under contract to the Saints, however, which led to an expectation that the division-rival Panthers would not be a realistic contender to acquire him via trade.
Deals sending head coaches from one team to another in the same division are rare, but not entirely unprecedented. Payton’s level of interest in the Panthers’ vacancy – one brought on by the firing of Matt Rhule after his highly underwhelming two-plus year tenure with the team failed to show sufficient signs of a turnaround for the franchise – will be worth watching relative to his desire to head elsewhere.
The Super Bowl winner has his first interview lined up with the Broncos this week, the earliest point at which he is allowed by rule to meet with interested teams. Denver reportedly has a general understanding of the trade compensation which will be needed to acquire him from New Orleans; a first-round pick is widely thought to be included in the package the Saints will be asking for.
In addition, both the Texans and Cardinals have been granted permission to interview Payton, giving him plenty of options to consider. The Panthers put themselves in contention to win the NFC South with their improved play under interim HC Steve Wilks, who has already interviewed for the full-time role a number of Carolina’s players have publicly campaigned for him to be granted. The Panthers are widely expected to pursue an experienced, offensive-minded HC, and Payton would certainly fit into both of those categories.
Here is the updated look at the Panthers’ search:
- Jim Caldwell, former head coach (Lions): Interviewed
- Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Broncos): Interview requested
- Ken Dorsey, offensive coordinator (Bills): Interview requested
- Jim Harbaugh, head coach (Michigan): No longer on radar
- Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator (Lions): Interview requested
- Mike Kafka, offensive coordinator (Giants): Interview requested
- Jerod Mayo, inside linebackers coach (Patriots): Interview declined
- Sean Payton, former head coach (Saints): Granted permission to interview
- Frank Reich, former head coach (Colts): Interview expected
- DeMeco Ryans, defensive coordinator (49ers): Interview postponed
- Shane Steichen, offensive coordinator (Eagles): To interview 1/14
- Steve Wilks, interim head coach (Panthers): Interviewed 1/10