METAIRIE, La. -- Sean Payton has decided to step away as the New Orleans Saints' coach after 16 years, a source confirmed to ESPN.
Payton is not necessarily retiring permanently but has decided to take a break after 15 seasons as the Saints' coach, the source said. He totaled 15 seasons as the New Orleans coach because he was suspended in 2012 as a result of the bounty investigation.
It's not immediately clear what Payton plans to do next. Sources have told ESPN that television networks have shown considerable interest in hiring him.