ATLANTA -- All Sean Payton would say Sunday when asked about his coaching future was, “Next question.”
But really, until that one gets answered, there is no next question with the New Orleans Saints.
And if Payton leaves, there will be a lot more questions.
Namely, do the Saints try to build off the gradual improvement they’ve been making with offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen? Or do they seek a more radical culture change?
Everyone from ownership to coaches to players feels genuine optimism about the direction this team is heading, despite a third straight 7-9 season.