METAIRIE, La. -- New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis isn't going to hold former coach Sean Payton back from reentering the league this year, but he said that return would come with a price.
Loomis has maintained his appreciation for Payton, who coached the team from 2006-2021 and led them to their first and only Super Bowl win.
The Saints knew immediately there was a possibility Payton could return in 2023 after he stepped down after the 2021 season. Loomis has not wanted to stand in the way of that process, but acknowledged they still want a fair return for the final two seasons of Payton's contract.