When Sean Payton became the New Orleans Saints' head coach in 2006, he and GM Mickey Loomis formed a 16-year partnership that led to a Super Bowl win. Behind the success was a unique dynamic defined by heated arguments over everything except football. 

Speaking on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Payton reflected candidly on his daily interactions with Loomis, revealing that personnel decisions were shockingly stress-free.

“Like 16 years, we never argued once over a draft pick or a cut, really,” Payton added. “But we would fight like dogs over like what we were putting in the weight room from a sign or floor standpoint, or when the cafeteria was going to be remodeled."

Payton, across his 16 years, experienced great ownership in the New Orleans Saints. Payton later revealed that his teamwork with Loomis was at its best, and the two later ended up being very close friends, often playing golf in the evenings.

While the two aligned seamlessly on high-stakes roster moves and draft boards, speaking on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Payton highlighted that their competitive energy flared over facility operations and gameday details. 

Payton delivered the greatest season in Saints history when he guided New Orleans to a 13-3 record in 2009. Then, in the postseason, he won with a 31-17 Super Bowl XLIV victory over the Indianapolis Colts, securing the franchise's first and still only Lombardi Trophy.

When the news of his departure was finally delivered, the strong partnership culminated in a poignant moment: two NFL giants sitting down together in tears as an unforgettable era in New Orleans officially came to a close.

Sean Payton’s return to coaching 

After stepping down from the New Orleans Saints in 2021, Sean Payton spent a year as a studio analyst for FOX Sports.

However, he could not shake his deep desire to coach. His return to the NFL sidelines was a carefully planned move.

During the 2023 offseason, according to Denver Broncos reporter Ben Swanson of the team website, Payton met with multiple teams. He prioritized a strong organizational setup over a talent-ready roster.

"Ownership was important to me," Payton said in 2023 as per the team website. "I had been exposed to a great ownership group in New Orleans. … What I knew for 16 years was functional; it wasn't easy, but it was functional and it was supportive and it was respectful and it was teamwork at its best."

A pivotal meeting with Broncos leadership, including CEO Greg Penner and minority owner Condoleezza Rice, centered on culture, vision, and leadership, convincing Payton the franchise was the right fit.

The Broncos then paid a steep price to make it happen, sending a 2023 first-round pick and a 2024 second-round pick to New Orleans for his coaching rights.

He guided the franchise to an impressive 32–19 regular-season record over three seasons. His successful turnaround earned him a contract extension through the 2030 season.

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Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote