View source for Sean Payton

{{Short description|American football coach and former player (born 1963)}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name           = Sean Payton
| image          = Sean Payton 2021.jpg
| alt            = 
| caption        = Payton with the [[New Orleans Saints]] in 2021
| number         = <!-- 17 -->
| current_team   = Denver Broncos
| position       = <!-- Quarterback --> [[Head coach]]
| birth_date     = {{Birth date and age|1963|12|29|mf=y}}
| birth_place    = [[San Mateo, California]], U.S.
| death_date     = 
| death_place    = 
| height_ft      = 5
| height_in      = 11
| weight_lb      = 200
| high_school    = [[Naperville Central High School|Naperville Central]] {{nowrap|([[Naperville, Illinois]])}}
| college        = [[Eastern Illinois Panthers football|Eastern Illinois]] (1983–1986)
| undraftedyear  = 1987
| pastteams      =
* [[Chicago Bruisers]] (1987)
* [[Pittsburgh Gladiators]] (1987)
* [[Ottawa Rough Riders]] ({{CFL Year|1987}})
* [[Chicago Bears]] ({{NFL Year|1987}})
* [[Leicester Panthers]] (1988)
| pastcoaching   =
* [[San Diego State Aztecs football|San Diego State]] (1988–1989) <br> Offensive assistant
* [[Indiana State Sycamores football|Indiana State]] (1990–1991) <br> Running backs & wide receivers coach
* San Diego State (1992–1993) <br> Running backs coach
* [[Miami RedHawks football|Miami (OH)]] (1994–1995) <br> Quarterbacks coach
* [[Illinois Fighting Illini football|Illinois]] (1996) <br> Quarterbacks coach
* [[Philadelphia Eagles]] ({{NFL Year|1997|1998}}) <br> Quarterbacks coach
* [[New York Giants]] ({{NFL Year|1999}}) <br> Quarterbacks coach
* New York Giants ({{NFL Year|2000|2002}}) <br> Offensive coordinator
* [[Dallas Cowboys]] ({{NFL Year|2003|2005}}) <br> Assistant head coach & quarterbacks coach
* [[New Orleans Saints]] ({{NFL Year|2006|2011}}, {{NFL Year|2013|2021}}) <br> Head coach
* [[Liberty Christian School (Argyle, Texas)|Liberty Christian (TX)]] (2012){{efn-ua|While serving a season long suspension with the Saints in 2012, Payton coached at Liberty}}<br> Offensive coordinator
* [[Denver Broncos]] ({{NFL Year|2023}}–present) <br> Head coach
| highlights     = ; As a player
* [[Eastern Illinois Panthers football#Retired numbers|Eastern Illinois Panthers No. 18]] retired
* Eastern Illinois University Hall of Fame
; As a coach
* [[List of Super Bowl champions|Super Bowl champion]] ([[Super Bowl XLIV|XLIV]])
* [[Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year Award|AP Coach of the Year]] (2006)
* 2× [[NFL Coach of the Year Award#Greasy Neale Award (Maxwell Football Club)|Greasy Neale Award]] (2006, 2009)
| statlabel1     = Passing attempts
| statvalue1     = 23
| statlabel2     = Passing completions
| statvalue2     = 8
| statlabel3     = Completion percentage
| statvalue3     = 34.8%
| statlabel4     = [[Touchdown|TD]]–[[Interception|INT]]
| statvalue4     = 0–1
| statlabel5     = Passing yards
| statvalue5     = 79
| statlabel6     = [[Passer rating]]
| statvalue6     = 27.3
| statlabel7     = Rushing yards
| statvalue7     = 28
| aflstatlabel1  = Passing attempts
| aflstatvalue1  = 14
| aflstatlabel2  = Passing completions
| aflstatvalue2  = 5
| aflstatlabel3  = Completion percentage
| aflstatvalue3  = 35.7%
| aflstatlabel4  = TD–INT
| aflstatvalue4  = 0–3
| aflstatlabel5  = Passing yards
| aflstatvalue5  = 47
| regular_record = {{Winning percentage|170|105|record=y}}
| playoff_record = {{Winning percentage|9|9|record=y}}
| overall_record = {{Winning percentage|179|114|record=y}}
| pfr            = PaytSe20
| afl            = Sean_Payton-1232
| pfrcoach       = PaytSe0 
}}

'''Patrick Sean Payton'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sean Payton Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PaytSe20.htm |access-date=2025-06-30 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> (born December 29, 1963) is an American professional [[American football|football]] coach and former [[quarterback]] who is the [[head coach]] for the [[Denver Broncos]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL). Previously, he served as the head coach of the [[New Orleans Saints]] from 2006 to 2021, leading the franchise to its first [[Super Bowl]] victory during the [[2009 New Orleans Saints season|2009 season]]. Payton played [[college football]] for the [[Eastern Illinois Panthers football|Eastern Illinois Panthers]] and played professionally in 1987 with the [[Chicago Bears]] and 1988 overseas in Britain for the [[Leicester Panthers]].

He began his coaching career as offensive assistant for [[San Diego State University]] and had several assistant coaching positions on college and NFL teams before being named as the tenth full-time coach in Saints history in 2006. Payton has always been known for his offensive prowess, having scored more points (2,804) and gained more yards (40,158) than any other team in a coach's first 100 games in NFL history.<ref name="New Orleans Saints' Sean Payton on Hall of Fame pace 100 games into career">{{Cite web |last=Duncan |first=Jeff |date=October 4, 2013 |title=New Orleans Saints' Sean Payton on Hall of Fame pace 100 games into career: Jeff Duncan's First-and-10 |url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/new-orleans-saints-sean-payton-on-hall-of-fame-pace-100-games-into-career-jeff/article_a531cb17-a184-5128-9853-bc74d15dbd00.html |access-date=October 9, 2023 |website=NOLA.com |language=en}}</ref> Payton had the second-longest NFL single-team tenure among active head coaches, behind [[New England Patriots]] head coach [[Bill Belichick]], who coached the Patriots from [[2000 NFL season|2000]] to [[2023 NFL season|2023]].

Under Payton's leadership, the Saints made the [[2006–07 NFL playoffs|2006 NFL playoffs]] after a [[2005 New Orleans Saints season|3–13 season]] in 2005 and advanced to their first [[NFC Championship]] appearance in franchise history. Because of this effort, Payton won the [[Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year Award|AP NFL Coach of the Year Award]]. Following the 2009 season, the Saints won their first Super Bowl championship in franchise history. In 16 seasons with the Saints as head coach, Payton helped guide the team to three NFC Championship games (2006, 2009, and [[2018 NFC Championship Game|2018]]), a victory in Super Bowl XLIV, and nine total playoff berths with seven division titles, making him the most successful coach in Saints franchise history.

In April 2012, Payton was suspended for the entire [[2012 NFL season]] as a result of his involvement in the [[New Orleans Saints bounty scandal]], under which "bounties" were paid for injuring<ref>{{cite news
| last = Belson
| first = Ken
| title = Sean Payton, Saints' Coach, Steps Down After 16 Seasons
| url = https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/25/sports/football/sean-payton-saints-coach.html
| work = [[The New York Times]]
| date = January 25, 2022
| access-date = November 25, 2023
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 21, 2012 |title=Sean Payton of New Orleans Saints banned one year for bounties |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7718136/sean-payton-new-orleans-saints-banned-one-year-bounties |access-date=November 25, 2023 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| url = https://www.denverpost.com/2022/01/25/sean-payton-resigns-saints/
| last = Martel
| first = Brett
| title = Sean Payton resigns as Saints' coach after 15 seasons
| publisher = [[The Denver Post]]
| date = January 25, 2022
| access-date = November 25, 2023
}}</ref> players on opposing teams.<ref name="NFL suspension">{{Cite web |date=March 21, 2012 |title=NFL bans Saints' Payton a year for 'bounties'; Williams out, too |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-bans-saints-payton-a-year-for-bounties-williams-out-too-09000d5d827c0dd9 |access-date=October 9, 2023 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> Before the 2011 season began, an email sent by Michael Ornstein outlined a plan offering $5,000 to anyone who would injure [[Green Bay Packers]] quarterback [[Aaron Rodgers]] in the season opener, which Payton initially denied knowing about but later admitted to having read.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2012/03/mike_ornsteins_association_wit.html|title=Mike Ornstein's association with New Orleans Saints and bounty scandal a perplexing situation|last=Duncan|first=Jeff|newspaper=[[The Times-Picayune]]|date=March 9, 2012}}</ref><ref name=ESPNPenaltyAnnouncement>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7718136/sean-payton-new-orleans-saints-banned-one-year-bounties|title=NFL hammers Saints for bounties|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=March 21, 2012}}</ref> Payton filed an appeal, but was denied, and was reinstated in January 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 9, 2012 |title=Saints 'bounty' discipline won't change, commissioner says |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-bounty-discipline-won-t-change-commissioner-says-09000d5d8282dd66 |access-date=October 9, 2023 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Washington Post">{{Cite web |last=Boren |first=Cindy |date=January 22, 2013 |title=NFL lifts Sean Payton suspension |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2013/01/22/sean-payton-suspension-lifted-by-nfl/ |access-date=January 22, 2013 |newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref>

In Payton's second year as coach of the Denver Broncos during the [[2024 Denver Broncos season|2024 season]], the team would make the playoffs.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://denversports.com/2116605/sean-payton-proud-of-young-and-hungry-broncos-going-to-playoffs/|title=Sean Payton proud of 'young and hungry' Broncos going to playoffs|first=Will|last=Petersen|publisher=Denver Sports|date=January 5, 2025|accessdate=January 5, 2025}}</ref>

==Early life==
Payton was born in [[San Mateo, California]], and raised in [[Naperville, Illinois]], by parents Thomas and Jeanne Payton.<ref name="Delco"/> Payton's parents were originally from [[Scranton, Pennsylvania]]; Thomas worked in the insurance industry.<ref>{{harvnb|Payton|2010|p=9}}</ref> Payton lived in [[Newtown Square, Pennsylvania]], during his grade school and middle school years (1970–1978).<ref name="Delco">{{cite news|last=Grotz|first=Bob|url=http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2010/02/11/sports/doc4b74d3b0c4443239334072.txt|title=Payton had Super coach beginnings in Delco|work=[[Delaware County Daily and Sunday Times|Delaware County Daily Times]]|date=February 11, 2010|access-date=October 22, 2010|archive-date=September 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913041003/http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2010/02/11/sports/doc4b74d3b0c4443239334072.txt|url-status=dead}}</ref> He attended [[Naperville Central High School]] in Naperville, Illinois, [[Starting lineup|starting]] as quarterback his senior year before graduating in 1982. Winning a football scholarship, Payton had a successful career playing quarterback at [[Eastern Illinois University]], leading the Panthers to an 11–2 record and the quarter-finals of the [[Division I-AA]] Playoffs in 1986. While attending EIU, he became a member of the [[Sigma Chi]] fraternity and was later named a Significant Sig; one of Sigma Chi's highest honors.<ref>{{harvnb|Payton|2010|p=10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.sigmachi.org/foundation/significant_sigs.phtml?strLetter=P&PHPSESSID=15b0c25e69c11de3023ec3bbf9ce6ece|title=Significant Sigs|publisher=Sigma Chi Fraternity|access-date=October 22, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728025044/http://www2.sigmachi.org/foundation/significant_sigs.phtml?strLetter=P&PHPSESSID=c81c3bb0d171a706ed52338a669b263d|archive-date=July 28, 2011}}</ref>  Under coach [[Al Molde]], Payton's Eastern Illinois teams were known as "Eastern Airlines" due to their prolific passing attack that frequently topped 300 yards per game (and had 509 passing yards in one game, still a school record).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/82655602.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUUUU|title=Saints' Payton has big fan at Gustavus|work=[[Star Tribune]]|date=January 26, 2010|access-date=October 22, 2010}}{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

==Playing career==
Although he was not drafted in the [[1987 NFL draft]], Payton tried out for the [[Kansas City Chiefs]] for one day. In 1987, he played quarterback for the [[Chicago Bruisers]] and Pittsburgh Gladiators during the inaugural season of the [[Arena Football League]], before his rights were sold for $1,000 to the [[Ottawa Rough Riders]] of the [[Canadian Football League]]. He was also a member of the [[Chicago Bears]] squad of strikebreaking replacement players, known as the "Spare Bears", during the [[1987 NFL strike|1987 NFL players strike]].<ref>{{harvnb|Payton|2010|pp=11–12}}</ref> In 3 games he completed 8 of 23 passes (34.8%) for 79 yards, no touchdowns, an interception, and a passer rating of 27.3. He was also sacked 7 times for 47 yards and had one rush attempt for 28 yards. His one interception came against the [[New Orleans Saints]], the team he would later go on to coach to a Super Bowl victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sean Payton 1987 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PaytSe20/gamelog/1987/ |access-date=October 9, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sean Payton Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PaytSe20.htm |access-date=October 9, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In 1988, he played for the [[Leicester Panthers]] of the professional UK Budweiser National League. Payton landed the starting quarterback role for the Panthers. Payton led the Panthers to a touchdown on their first possession, and an 8–5 regular season record. That same season saw the Panthers go to the Quarterfinals of the playoffs [[BAFA National Leagues]], eventually losing to the [[London Olympians]]. Afterwards Payton returned to the US to take up a coaching position.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gridiron|first=Cfinn|url=http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/sport/Gridirion-Ex-Leicester-Panthers-star-Sean-Payton-eyes-Super-Bowl-glory/article-1810700-detail/article.html|title=Gridirion: Ex-Leicester Panthers star Sean Payton eyes Super Bowl glory|work=Leicester Mercury|date=February 6, 2010|access-date=October 22, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100715150845/http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/sport/Gridirion-Ex-Leicester-Panthers-star-Sean-Payton-eyes-Super-Bowl-glory/article-1810700-detail/article.html|archive-date=July 15, 2010}}</ref>

==Coaching career==
===Early coaching career===
Payton began his coaching career in 1988 as an [[Offense (sports)|offensive]] assistant at [[San Diego State University]]. He made a series of assistant coaching positions at [[Indiana State University]], [[Miami University]] (offensive coordinator), [[University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign|Illinois]], and again at San Diego State (running backs coach), before landing a job as the quarterbacks coach with the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] in 1997.<ref>{{harvnb|Payton|2010|pp=17–21}}</ref>

He coached [[Marshall Faulk]] from 1992 to 1993 while working at San Diego State.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dabe |first=Christopher |date=December 31, 2015 |title=Marshall Faulk remembers when 'nobody wanted' Sean Payton, Drew Brees |url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/marshall-faulk-remembers-when-nobody-wanted-sean-payton-drew-brees/article_40931fb6-47bd-59a2-83c5-32f8271df79e.html |access-date=October 9, 2023 |website=NOLA.com |language=en}}</ref>

As OC at [[Miami University]], he helped RB [[Deland McCullough]] run for over 1,100 yards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.totalfootballstats.com/Team_College.asp?id=103&Season=1994|title=1994 - Miami Redhawks Football Statistics and Results - Totalfootballstats.com|website=www.totalfootballstats.com}}</ref> In 1995, the team scored the most points in a season (326) since 1986 and finished 8–2–1.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.totalfootballstats.com/Team_College.asp?id=103&Season=1995|title=1995 - Miami Redhawks Football Statistics and Results - Totalfootballstats.com|website=www.totalfootballstats.com}}</ref> RB Deland McCullough ran for over 1,600 yards with 14 TD and QB Sam Ricketts also threw 14 TD.

At the [[University of Illinois]] in 1996,<ref>{{Cite web |title=1996 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1996.html |access-date=October 9, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> he coached QB Scott Weaver, who completed 56% of his passes for over 1,700 yards and 7 TD.

===Philadelphia Eagles===
From 1997 to 1998, Payton was [[quarterbacks coach]] for the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] and worked with offensive coordinator [[Jon Gruden]] and offensive line coach [[Bill Callahan (American football coach)|Bill Callahan]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Kyle |date=September 17, 2020 |title=Jon Gruden and Sean Payton reminisce about coaching together prior to MNF matchup |url=https://www.raiders.com/news/jon-gruden-and-sean-payton-reminisce-about-coaching-together-prior-to-mnf-matchu |access-date=October 9, 2023 |website=Raiders.com |language=en-US}}</ref> In 1998, Gruden and Callahan left for the [[Oakland Raiders]], and Eagles head coach [[Ray Rhodes]] and Payton were fired.<ref>{{harvnb|Payton|2010|pp=23–24}}</ref> The Eagles' quarterbacks passed for 4,009 yards in 1997.<ref>{{cite web|title=1997 NFL Standings, Stats and Awards |url=http://www.databasefootball.com/leagues/leagueyear.htm?yr=1997&lg=NFL |publisher=databasefootball.com |access-date=October 22, 2010 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101103074120/http://www.databasefootball.com/leagues/leagueyear.htm?lg=nfl&yr=1997 |archive-date=November 3, 2010 }}</ref> Payton would not be retained by new head coach [[Andy Reid]].

===New York Giants===
In 1999, Payton was hired as the quarterbacks coach for the [[New York Giants]] and was promoted to the role of [[offensive coordinator]] in 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 12, 1999 |title=CALLING THE SHOTS QB COACH SEAN PAYTON INJECTS NEW LIFE IN THE GIANTS' OFFENSE |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/1999/12/12/calling-the-shots-qb-coach-sean-payton-injects-new-life-in-the-giants-offense/ |access-date=October 9, 2023 |website=New York Daily News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sigler |first=John |date=April 11, 2022 |title=Sean Payton says he tried to persuade Giants to draft Tom Brady |url=https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2022/04/11/sean-payton-tom-brady-nfl-draft-saints-giants-news/ |access-date=October 9, 2023 |website=Saints Wire|publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}}</ref> Under his guidance, the Giants would go on to represent the [[National Football Conference|NFC]] in [[Super Bowl XXXV]].<ref>{{harvnb|Payton|2010|p=25}}</ref> During this time, he was known to lock himself in the stadium and sleep on the couches while studying plays during off-days.

At around 6:45&nbsp;a.m. on [[September 11 attacks|September 11, 2001]], the New York Giants' flight from [[Denver]], where the Giants played the [[Denver Broncos]] for the first ''[[Monday Night Football]]'' game of [[2001 NFL season|2001]], landed at the gate of [[Newark Liberty International Airport]] next to [[United Airlines Flight 93]], the flight that was hijacked and eventually crashed in [[Flight 93 National Memorial|rural Pennsylvania]]. Payton recalls this moment in his autobiography ''Home Team: Coaching the Saints and New Orleans Back to Life''.<ref>{{harvnb|Payton|2010|p=26}}</ref>  During the [[2002 NFL season|2002 season]], after several poor showings by the Giants' offense, Payton's role in play-calling was taken over by then head coach [[Jim Fassel]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Olney |first=Buster |date=October 31, 2002 |title=Fassel Decides It's Time To Call the Plays Again |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/31/sports/pro-football-fassel-decides-it-s-time-to-call-the-plays-again.html |access-date=October 9, 2023 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Under Fassel the offense improved and propelled the team to a wild-card playoff berth.

===Dallas Cowboys===
Payton joined [[Bill Parcells]] and the [[Dallas Cowboys]] as an assistant head coach and a quarterbacks coach in 2003. He guided three different quarterbacks ([[Quincy Carter]], [[Vinny Testaverde]], and [[Drew Bledsoe]]) to 3,000-yard passing seasons, while contributing to improve the passing offense from a 31st rank to 15th in the league. He also has been attributed as the primary factor for the team signing [[Free agent#Undrafted free agent|undrafted free agent]] [[Tony Romo]] in 2003.

In 2004, he became a sought-after assistant in the league, so the Cowboys gave him a pay raise to remain as their assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/why-retaining-dan-quinn-as-dc-is-a-huge-victory|title=Why Retaining Dan Quinn As DC Is A "Huge Victory" |date=January 28, 2022}}</ref> In 2005, he was promoted by Parcells to assistant head coach/passing game coordinator.

===New Orleans Saints (2006–11)===
[[File:Sean Payton 07feb10.jpg|right|thumb|Payton with the [[Vince Lombardi Trophy|Lombardi Trophy]] after the Saints victory in [[Super Bowl XLIV]]]]
Payton began his first head coaching assignment in 2006 with the [[New Orleans Saints]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 17, 2006 |title=Sources: Saints to hire Dallas assistant Payton|agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2295741 |access-date=October 9, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> In the wake of [[Hurricane Katrina]], during the [[2005 New Orleans Saints season|2005 season]] the Saints had finished with a 3–13 record, ranking as the second worst team in the league. However, Payton turned the struggling team around, and, with newly acquired free agent quarterback [[Drew Brees]], led them to their first playoff appearance in six years. The team had one of the league's most productive offenses, ranking first in passing,<ref>Yahoo! Sports, [https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/stats/byteam?group=Offense&cat=Passing&conference=NFL&year=season_2006&sort=530&old_category=Total&old_group=Offense Sortable Stats -  Team Stats - Passing], Retrieved on July 24, 2007.</ref> and fifth in points scored.<ref>Yahoo! Sports, [https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/stats/byteam?group=Offense&cat=Total&conference=NFL&year=season_2006&sort=44&old_category=Receiving&old_group=Offense Sortable Stats – Team Stats- Total], Retrieved on July 24, 2007.</ref> The Saints won the [[NFC South]] with a 10–6 record, earned a first-round playoff bye and notched only the second playoff win in franchise history, giving them a berth in the [[2006–07 NFL playoffs#NFC: Chicago Bears 39, New Orleans Saints 14|NFC Championship Game]] against the top-seeded [[2006 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]]. The Saints out-gained the Bears in total yards on offense, but lost the game by the lopsided score of 39–14. Receiving 44 out of 50 votes from a panel of sports journalists and broadcasters, Payton won the [[Associated Press|AP]] [[National Football League Coach of the Year Award|NFL Coach of the Year Award]] in January 2007.<ref>{{cite news|title=Payton revives city, Saints on way to Coach of the Year|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2722296|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|access-date=October 22, 2010}}</ref>

In the [[2007 New Orleans Saints season|2007 season]], the Saints tried to improve upon their 10–6 record from the previous season. They and the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] opened the NFL preseason, playing the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame Game|Hall of Fame Game]] on August 5, 2007. The Saints were 3–2 in the preseason. The Saints also had the honor of opening the season against the defending champion [[Indianapolis Colts]]. The Saints finished the 2007 season 7–9.

In 2009, Payton coached the Saints to their most successful season with a [[2009 New Orleans Saints season|13–3]] record. They won their playoff games and went to the Super Bowl, in which [[Tracy Porter]] intercepted [[Peyton Manning]] during the fourth quarter and returned the pick for a touchdown, securing a 31–17 victory over the [[2009 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]] in [[Super Bowl XLIV]], the team's first Super Bowl win.

In June 2010, Payton published a book (written with journalist [[Ellis Henican]]) entitled ''Home Team: Coaching the Saints and New Orleans Back to Life''.<ref>Payton, Sean and [[Ellis Henican|Henican, Ellis]]. ''Home Team: Coaching the Saints and New Orleans Back to Life.'' ([[Penguin Group]] USA, 2010), {{ISBN|978-0-451-23261-8}}.</ref>  The book opened at number 8 on the non-fiction [[The New York Times Best Seller list|bestseller list]] of ''[[The New York Times]]''.<ref>[http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/07/11/paytons-book-debuts-among-top-ten-bestsellers/ "Payton's book debuts among top ten bestsellers"], [[Profootballtalk.com]], July 11, 2010.</ref> Payton described the concept of ''Home Team'': "I didn't want to write another winning-on-the-field book or about modern-day leadership...I wanted to write a book about the stories, ones that you sit around and tell your friends."<ref>{{cite web|last=Hoppes|first=Lynn|title=Sean Payton weaves great tales in book|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?id=5336912|publisher=ESPN|access-date=September 15, 2011|date=June 30, 2010}}</ref>

On October 16, 2011, while coaching against the [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]], Payton broke his [[tibia]] and tore his [[Medial collateral ligament|MCL]] in a collision with tight end [[Jimmy Graham]]'s helmet after Graham was tackled on the sideline. Unable to stand on the sidelines, Payton coached from the booth during rehabilitation. In a memorable moment the week after, Payton was spotted eating a [[hot dog]] in a relaxed state while the Saints [[Blowout (sports)|blew out]] the [[Indianapolis Colts]] 62–7.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Larry |date=October 24, 2011 |title=Sean Payton Eats Hot Dog in Coaches' Booth During Saints Game (Picture) |url=https://larrybrownsports.com/football/sean-payton-hot-dog-saints-game-picture/94238 |access-date=December 16, 2022 |website=Larry Brown Sports |language=en}}</ref>

=== Bounty scandal and suspension ===
{{Main|New Orleans Saints bounty scandal}}

On March 2, 2012, the NFL concluded after a thorough investigation that from 2009 to 2011, the [[New Orleans Saints bounty scandal|Saints implemented a bounty program]] that rewarded players for deliberately attempting to knock opposing players out of games. The [[slush fund]] was determined to be administered by defensive coordinator [[Gregg Williams]], who joined the team in 2009. An extensive league investigation found that Payton was implicated in the Bounty Scandal. The league determined Payton went as far as to orchestrate a cover-up when the league first investigated it in the 2009–10 offseason. When informed that the league was investigating reports of a bounty program, Payton met with Williams and assistant head coach [[Joe Vitt]] and told them, "Let's make sure our ducks are in a row."<ref name="NFLPenalties">{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-announces-management-discipline-in-saints-bounty-matter-09000d5d827c15b2|title=NFL announces management discipline in Saints' 'bounty' matter|website=[[NFL.com]] }}</ref>

According to a league memo, the NFL reopened its investigation late in the 2011 season. Just before the Saints' playoff game against the [[Detroit Lions]], league officials alerted Saints owner [[Tom Benson]] that they had found irrefutable evidence of the Saints' bounty program.<ref name="KingOutofBounds">{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1195695/index.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308005606/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1195695/index.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 8, 2012|title=Way out of Bounds|last=King|first=Peter|author-link=Peter King (sportswriter)|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|date=March 12, 2012}}</ref><ref name="NFLStatement">{{cite web|url=http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2012/03/full_nfl_statement_into_bounty.html|title=Full NFL statement into 'bounty' program run by New Orleans Saints|author=National Football League|date=March 2, 2012|access-date=March 5, 2012|author-link=National Football League}}</ref> When general manager [[Mickey Loomis]] informed Payton that the league had reopened its investigation, Payton failed to shut the alleged program down.<ref name="NFLPenalties" />

On March 22, 2012, NFL Commissioner [[Roger Goodell]] suspended Payton for the entire [[2012 NFL season|2012 season]], effective April 1. Payton became the first head coach in modern NFL history to be suspended for any reason. Goodell was particularly upset that Payton and other Saints officials had lied to him about the scheme. For instance, during its investigation, the league uncovered an email that Michael Ornstein, the agent for former Saints running back [[Reggie Bush]], had sent to Payton. In reality, the Ornstein email wasn't directly sent to Payton, instead it came to team spokesman Greg Bensel, who then forwarded it to the coaching staff with this message: "email from Orny (he asked that I send it) the dude is in prison so I told him I would."<ref>[http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/05/10/league-union-at-odds-over-ornstein-email/ League, union at odds over Ornstein email]. Profootballtalk.nbcsports.com. Retrieved on July 29, 2013.</ref> The email stated "put me down for $5,000 on [[Green Bay Packers]] quarterback [[Aaron Rodgers]]."<ref name="NFLStatement" /> "It's a running joke going for three years," Ornstein said. "Ornstein's email is just another example of the speciousness of the quote-unquote evidence that Commissioner (Roger) Goodell claims to have to support his erroneous accusations against Jonathan and the other players," lawyer Peter Ginsberg said. "As more of the evidence is revealed in the media, it is becoming more and more apparent how irresponsible the NFL's actions have been."<ref>[http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2012/05/mike_ornsteins_email_saying_to.html Mike Ornstein's email saying to put him down for bounty money is questioned]. NOLA.com. Retrieved on July 29, 2013.</ref> When confronted with the email, Payton initially claimed he never read it, but subsequently admitted that he had.<ref name="KingOutofBounds" /><ref name="ESPNPenaltyAnnouncement"/> In an interview with [[ESPN]]'s [[Adam Schefter]], Goodell implied that Payton would have faced significant punishment even if he'd been more forthcoming. In Goodell's view, Payton's contractual obligation to supervise his assistants meant that, at the very least, he should have known about the scheme and shut it down immediately.<ref name="GoodellSchefter">{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=7719075|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324092411/http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=7719075|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 24, 2012|title=Goodell talks punishments|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=March 21, 2012}}</ref> In the league's announcement of sanctions against the Saints, Payton was faulted for violating a provision of the league constitution that requires coaches to inform their owners about team operations, as well as to "avoid actions that undermine or damage the club's reputation or operating success."<ref name="NFLPenalties" />

On March 30, 2012, Payton lodged a formal appeal of his suspension. Goodell held an expedited hearing on the matter and was expected to render a decision in "days, not weeks," according to ESPN's Schefter. Payton also used the hearing as a chance to get clarification on the terms of his ban.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7755629/new-orleans-saints-sean-payton-appeal-1-year-suspension-source-says|title=Source: Sean Payton to file appeal|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=March 30, 2012}}</ref> Goodell turned the appeal down on April 9, meaning that Payton's suspension was set to begin on April 16.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7792405/nfl-upholds-suspension-new-orleans-saints-sean-payton-mickey-loomis-joe-vitt|title=NFL denies Saints' appeals|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=April 9, 2012}}</ref> He was to remain suspended until the end of [[Super Bowl XLVII]], which was held in New Orleans. According to ESPN's [[Chris Mortensen]], Payton was to forfeit $7.8 million of his $8.1 million salary.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7728207/new-orleans-saints-sean-payton-lose-58-million-salary-sources-say|title=Sources: Sean Payton to lose $5.8M|last=Mortensen|first=Chris|author-link=Chris Mortensen|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=March 23, 2012}}</ref> He was barred from even casual contact with anyone in the NFL; any such contact would have to be reported to NFL executive Ray Anderson.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7822994/new-orleans-saints-sean-payton-barred-all-league-contact-source-says|title=Sean Payton told to call if he talks|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=April 17, 2012}}</ref>

Soon after the suspension was announced, Payton began discussions with his mentor Bill Parcells about serving as an interim coach for the 2012 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7742067/sean-payton-mulls-appeal-name-new-orleans-saints-interim-coach-soon|title=Bill Parcells met with Saints|last=Clayton|first=John|author-link=John Clayton (sportswriter)|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=March 28, 2012}}</ref>

In September 2011, the Saints and Payton agreed to extend Payton's contract through 2015. However, on November 4, 2012, the NFL revealed that it had disallowed the extension because it contained a clause the NFL deemed to violate its rules, which would have allowed Payton to leave if Saints general manager [[Mickey Loomis]] were not with the team. The NFL's action left Payton's contract status in doubt beyond the 2012 season, although Payton said that he intended to return to the Saints.<ref name="voided">[http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2012-11-04/sean-payton-contract-voided-dispute-new-orleans-saints-dallas-cowboys "Sean Payton's extension voided, but says he plans to stick with Saints"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109095932/http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2012-11-04/sean-payton-contract-voided-dispute-new-orleans-saints-dallas-cowboys |date=November 9, 2012 }}, ''[[The Sporting News]]'', November 4, 2012.</ref>

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reinstated Payton on January 22, 2013.<ref name="Washington Post" />

===Liberty Christian Warriors (Argyle, TX)===
During his 2012 suspension from the NFL, Payton served as the offensive coordinator for his son Connor's sixth-grade team in [[Argyle, Texas]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2012/09/sean_payton_q_and_a_new_orlean.html|title=Sean Payton Q and A|last=Triplett|first=Mike|newspaper=[[The Times-Picayune]]|date=September 4, 2012}}</ref> Payton used a simplified version of the Saints playbook, and the team went unbeaten until they suffered a loss near the end of the regular season to a team that ran the [[Single-wing formation|single-wing]], which his team was unable to stop. Since he believed he would face that team again in the league's playoffs, he obtained video that the father of one of his players had recorded, and then contacted his mentor [[Bill Parcells]] to help him break down the opponent's offense. The teams indeed faced one another in the league finals; Payton's team lost a considerably closer game in which they were able to slow down the opposing offense.<ref name="Thompson">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/13479768/wright-thompson-life-loss-renewal-new-orleans-10-years-hurricane-katrina |title=Beyond The Breach |first=Wright |last=Thompson |author-link=Wright Thompson |magazine=[[ESPN The Magazine]] |date=August 24, 2015 |access-date=January 8, 2016}}</ref>

=== New Orleans Saints (2013–21) ===
Payton agreed to a new multi-year contract extension as head coach of the Saints, beginning in 2013.<ref>{{cite web | title=Sean Payton agrees to multi-year contract with Saints | website=NBC Sports | date=2012-12-28 | url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/sean-payton-agrees-to-multi-year-contract-with-saints | access-date=2025-07-01}}</ref> On January 6, 2016, he announced that he would stay with the Saints despite interest from other teams that had led to speculation that he would be traded.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/despite-interest-elsewhere--sean-payton-staying-with-saints-201712555.html |title=Despite interest elsewhere, Sean Payton staying with Saints |first=Shalise Manza |last=Young |date=January 6, 2016 |work=Yahoo Sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113064359/https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/despite-interest-elsewhere--sean-payton-staying-with-saints-201712555.html |archive-date=January 13, 2016}}</ref>

Payton agreed to a new five-year contract extension as head coach of the Saints on March 23, 2016.<ref>{{cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |title=Sean Payton agrees to 5-year contract with Saints |date=March 23, 2016 |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/sean-payton-agrees-to-5-year-contract-with-saints-0ap3000000646811 |website=NFL.com |access-date=March 23, 2016}}</ref> On [[Christmas Eve]] 2016, Payton notched his 94th victory as Saints head coach, passing [[Jim E. Mora]] as the winningest coach in franchise history.

The [[2017 New Orleans Saints season|2017 season]] saw the Saints achieve their first winning season since [[2013 New Orleans Saints season|2013]], with an 11–5 record. In the [[2017–18 NFL playoffs#NFC: New Orleans Saints 31, Carolina Panthers 26|wild-card round of the postseason]], New Orleans defeated their [[Panthers–Saints rivalry|division rival]] [[2017 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]] 31–26 to advance to the [[2017–18 NFL playoffs#NFC: Minnesota Vikings 29, New Orleans Saints 24|divisional round]] against the second-seeded [[2017 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]]. Against the Vikings, after falling behind 17–0, the Saints were able to regain a 24–23 lead in the final minute of the fourth quarter. But on the last play of the game, Vikings quarterback [[Case Keenum]] threw a 27-yard pass to wide receiver [[Stefon Diggs]], who evaded Saints safety [[Marcus Williams (safety)|Marcus Williams]] and ran to the end zone to complete a 61-yard touchdown pass as time expired to win the game for Minnesota, 29–24. This game was the first in NFL playoff history to end in a touchdown as time expired. The play would later be known as the [[Minneapolis Miracle]].

In the [[2018 New Orleans Saints season|2018 season]], the Saints attained the top-seed in the NFC after finishing with a 13–3 record. Upon eliminating the defending [[Super Bowl LII|Super Bowl champion]] [[2018 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]] 20–14 in the [[2018–19 NFL playoffs#NFC: New Orleans Saints 20, Philadelphia Eagles 14|divisional round]], the team advanced to the [[2018 NFC Championship Game|NFC Championship Game]] against the [[2018 Los Angeles Rams season|Los Angeles Rams]] for the right to represent the conference in [[Super Bowl LIII]]. The game was marred with controversy after the referees missed a pass interference call of Rams cornerback [[Nickell Robey-Coleman]]'s hit on Saints wide receiver [[Tommylee Lewis]] on 3rd-and-10 with 1:45 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Saints went on to lose 26–23 in overtime. Some fans, players, and analysts believe the missed call is among the worst in NFL history. The NFL admitted to missing the call soon after the game was over, but did not apologize for the situation until a week and a half later. They also did not overturn the result of the game. The fallout from the missed call was a factor in the NFL's decision to expand instant replay, making pass interference (including non-calls) reviewable. However, that ability to change PI calls did not last past the [[2019 NFL season|2019 season]].

On September 15, 2019, the Saints and Payton agreed to a five-year contract extension.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hagemann |first=Andie  |date=September 15, 2019 |title=Saints, Sean Payton agree to five-year extension |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-sean-payton-agree-to-five-year-extension-0ap3000001054442 |access-date=January 1, 2020 |website=NFL.com |language=en}}</ref> The Saints once again finished 13–3 in [[2019 New Orleans Saints season|2019]]. However, they were upset in the [[2019–20 NFL playoffs#NFC: Minnesota Vikings 26, New Orleans Saints 20 (OT)|wild-card round of the playoffs]] by the [[2019 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]] in overtime 26–20, a third consecutive disappointing playoff finish for the Saints.

Payton was fined {{USD|100000}} by the NFL for not properly wearing a [[Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|face mask]], as required for coaches during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], during a week 2 game in the [[2020 NFL season]] on September 22, 2020.<ref>{{cite news |author=Gutierrez, Paul |title=Source: Raiders' Jon Gruden, Saints' Sean Payton fined $100K for violating mask protocols |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29947222/source-raiders-jon-gruden-saints-sean-payton-fined-100k-violating-mask-protocols |website=ESPN.com |date=September 22, 2020 |access-date=November 10, 2020}}</ref>

Following the [[2021 NFL season]] and a year after his long-time quarterback, [[Drew Brees]], retired from the NFL, Payton announced he would be stepping down as head coach after 16 years. Payton finished his tenure in New Orleans with an overall record of 161–97 and as the winningest coach in franchise history.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton to step away |url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/sean-payton-new-orleans-saints-head-coach-step-away-nfl-retirement-012522 |work=NewOrleansSaints.com |date=January 25, 2022 |access-date=January 26, 2022}}</ref> On February 28, 2022, it was revealed that the [[Miami Dolphins]] had requested permission from the Saints to interview Payton for their vacant head coaching spot, but were reportedly denied permission and had scrapped the idea after their former head coach, [[Brian Flores]], filed a lawsuit against the NFL over racial discrimination in hiring practices early that month. The Dolphins were considering pairing Payton with quarterback [[Tom Brady]], who had briefly retired from the NFL from February 1, 2022, until March 13, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://whodatdish.com/2022/03/01/dolphins-wanted-saints-sean-payton-tom-brady/ |title=Dolphins were reportedly trying to get both Sean Payton and Tom Brady |first=Kristen |last=Wong |work=FanSided |date=March 1, 2022 |access-date=January 26, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33194862/brian-flores-sues-nfl-others-former-miami-dolphins-coach-alleges-racism-hiring-practices |title=Brian Flores sues NFL, three teams as former Miami Dolphins coach alleges racism in hiring practices |first=Marcel |last=Louis-Jacques |work=ESPN |date=February 1, 2022 |access-date=January 26, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/tom-brady-calls-off-retirement-seven-time-super-bowl-champion-qb-says-hes-returning-to-buccaneers/ |title=Tom Brady calls off retirement: Seven-time Super Bowl champion QB says he's returning to Buccaneers |first=Cody |last=Benjamin |work=CBS Sports |date=March 13, 2022 |access-date=January 26, 2025}}</ref> On June 13, 2022, it was reported that the Dolphins offered Payton a five-year deal worth $100 million, a deal that would have made him the highest paid coach in NFL history, and would have been only the second $100 million deal signed by a head coach, after [[Jon Gruden]]'s 10-year, $100 million contract to return to the [[Oakland Raiders]] in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/dolphins-were-ready-to-offer-sean-payton-a-100-million-deal-to-coach-the-team-per-report/ |title=Dolphins were ready to offer Sean Payton a $100 million deal to coach the team, per report |first=John |last=Breech |work=CBS Sports |date=June 13, 2022 |access-date=January 26, 2025}}</ref> Six months after the pursuit was first reported, on August 2, 2022, the Dolphins and team owner [[Stephen M. Ross]] were fined $1.5 million and forfeited a 2023 first-round draft pick along with a 2024 third-round pick due to impermissible communication with both Payton and Tom Brady, who both share the same agent, [[Don Yee]], between the 2019 and 2021 seasons. Ross also received a six-game suspension as a result and Dolphins vice chairman/limited partner Bruce Beal was fined $500,000 and received a year-long suspension for the 2022 season.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/dolphins-team-owner-stephen-ross-face-discipline-nfls-game-integrity-probe |title=Dolphins, team owner Stephen Ross face discipline after NFL's game integrity probe |first=Paulina |last=Didaj |work=FoxNews.com |date=August 2, 2022 |access-date=January 26, 2025}}</ref>

===Initial retirement===
Following the [[2021 New Orleans Saints season|2021 season]], Payton announced his retirement from coaching in January 2022.<ref>{{cite web|work=NFL.com|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/sean-payton-stepping-down-as-head-coach-of-saints-after-15-seasons|title=Sean Payton stepping down as head coach of Saints after 15 seasons|date=January 25, 2022|access-date=February 1, 2023|first=Nick|last=Shook}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=SI.com|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/saints/news/saints-sean-payton-retires#gid=ci0298318ab00025f8&pid=payton-stepping-down|title=Sean Payton is Retiring|first=Bob|last=Rose|date=January 25, 2022|access-date=February 1, 2023}}</ref>

In January 2023, Payton interviewed for head coach vacancies with the [[Denver Broncos]], [[Carolina Panthers]], [[Arizona Cardinals]], and [[Houston Texans]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35461429/sean-payton-absolutely-consider-coaching-texans|work=ESPN.com|title=Sean Payton completes interview with Houston Texans|first=David|last=Newton|date=January 16, 2023|accessdate=February 1, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=ArizonaSports.com|url=https://arizonasports.com/story/3478848/report-cardinals-still-in-play-to-hire-sean-payton-after-lengthy-interview/|title=Report: Cardinals still in play to hire Sean Payton after lengthy interview|date=January 27, 2023|accessdate=February 1, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=SI.com|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2023/01/27/sean-payton-shuts-down-report-about-how-his-broncos-interview-went|title=Sean Payton Shuts Down Report About How His Broncos Interview|first=Patrick|last=Andres|date=January 26, 2023|access-date=February 1, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=SI.com|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/panthers/gm-report/panthers-complete-in-person-interview-with-sean-payton|title=Panthers Complete In-Person Interview with Sean Payton|first=Schuyler|last=Callihan|date=January 23, 2023|access-date=February 1, 2023}}</ref>

===Denver Broncos===
On January 31, 2023, Payton reported that he had accepted the position of head coach for the Denver Broncos, and was officially hired three days later.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Duncan |first=Jeff |date=January 31, 2023 |title=Sean Payton says he sees a lot of New Orleans in Broncos job. 'It matters there.' |url=https://www.nola.com/sports/sean-payton-exited-to-become-broncos-head-coach/article_1b52ef64-a1bc-11ed-a5df-53836005217d.html |access-date=February 2, 2023 |website=NOLA.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=DiLalla |first=Aric |date=February 3, 2023 |title=Broncos name Sean Payton as Head Coach |url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-name-sean-payton-as-head-coach |access-date=February 3, 2023 |website=DenverBroncos.com}}</ref> In order to release Payton from his contract with the Saints, the Broncos agreed to trade a 2023 first-round pick and a 2024 second-round pick to the Saints in exchange for Payton and a 2024 third-round pick.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-sean-payton-head-coach-deal-saints|last=Bergman|first=Jeremy|date=January 31, 2023|title=Broncos agree to deal with Saints to hire Sean Payton as head coach|work=NFL.com|access-date=February 1, 2023}}</ref> The [[2023 Denver Broncos season|2023 season]] ended on a controversial note after two straight losses to the [[2023 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions]] and [[2023 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]], quarterback [[Russell Wilson]] was benched in favor of [[Jarrett Stidham]] for the final two games of the season to "preserve financial flexibility".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=December 27, 2023 |title=Broncos benching QB Russell Wilson for remainder of 2023 season to preserve financial flexibility |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-benching-qb-russell-wilson-for-remainder-of-2023-to-preserve-financial-f |access-date=December 27, 2023 |website=NFL.com}}</ref>

In Week 7 of the [[2024 NFL season|2024 season]], Payton and the Broncos played against the Saints in a [[Thursday Night Football]] game. After the Broncos defeated the Saints 33–10, Payton became just the eighth head coach in NFL history to defeat all 32 teams in the league.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Grant |date=October 18, 2024 |title=Payton's place: Broncos HC Sean Payton gets 'emotional' victory over Saints in Superdome return |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/payton-s-place-broncos-hc-sean-payton-gets-emotional-victory-over-saints-in-superdome-return |access-date=October 19, 2024 |website=NFL.com |language=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Alper |first=Josh |date=October 18, 2024 |title=Thursday's win made Sean Payton the eighth head coach to beat all 32 NFL teams |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/sean-payton-is-eighth-coach-to-beat-all-32-nfl-teams |access-date=October 19, 2024 |website=NBC Sports |language=}}</ref>

In Week 18, the Broncos, with Payton as the head coach, clinched their first playoff berth since the [[2015 Denver Broncos season|2015 season]] after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 38–0.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Heath |first=Jon |date=January 5, 2025 |title=Twitter reacts to Broncos clinching first playoff berth since 2015 |url=https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/2025/01/05/twitter-reacts-to-broncos-returning-to-nfl-playoffs-first-time-since-2015/ |access-date=January 5, 2025 |work=Broncos Wire |publisher=USA Today}}</ref> It was also the team's first winning season since [[2016 Denver Broncos season|2016]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos Team Records, Leaders, and League Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/index.htm |access-date=2025-01-22 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In the [[2024–25_NFL_playoffs#AFC:_Buffalo_Bills_31,_Denver_Broncos_7|Wild Card Round]], the Broncos lost to the Buffalo Bills 31–7.<ref name="m109">{{cite web | last=Wawrow | first=John | title=Josh Allen leads balanced offense as Bills dominate Broncos for 31–7 wild-card win | website=AP News | date=2025-01-12 | url=https://apnews.com/article/broncos-bills-playoffs-score-0519472b100dbacf96e8204dba436ffb | access-date=2025-01-22}}</ref>

==Head coaching record==
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%; text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan="2"|Team !! rowspan="2"|Year !! colspan="5"|Regular season !! colspan="4"|Postseason
|-
! Won !! Lost !! Ties !! Win % !! Finish !! Won !! Lost !! Win % !! Result
|- style="background:#fdd;"
! [[2006 New Orleans Saints season|NO]] || [[2006 NFL season|2006]]
|10||6||0||{{Winning percentage|10|6|0}}||'''1st in NFC South'''|| 1 || 1 || .500 || <Small>'''Lost to [[Chicago Bears]] in [[2006–07 NFL playoffs|NFC Championship Game]]'''</Small>
|-
! [[2007 New Orleans Saints season|NO]] || [[2007 NFL season|2007]]
|7||9||0||{{Winning percentage|7|9|0}}||3rd in NFC South|| — || — || — || —
|-
! [[2008 New Orleans Saints season|NO]] ||[[2008 NFL season|2008]]
|8||8||0||{{Winning percentage|8|8|0}}||4th in NFC South|| — || — || — || —
|- style="background:#FDE910"
! [[2009 New Orleans Saints season|NO]] ||[[2009 NFL season|2009]]
|13||3||0||{{Winning percentage|13|3|0}}||'''1st in NFC South'''|| 3 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|3|0}} || '''<Small>[[Super Bowl XLIV]] champions</Small>'''
|- style="background:#fdd;"
! [[2010 New Orleans Saints season|NO]] ||[[2010 NFL season|2010]]
|11||5||0||{{Winning percentage|11|5|0}}||'''2nd in NFC South'''|| 0 || 1 || {{Winning percentage|0|1}} || <Small>'''[[Beast Quake|Lost]] to [[Seattle Seahawks]] in [[2010–11 NFL playoffs|NFC Wild Card Game]]'''</Small>
|- style="background:#fdd;"
! [[2011 New Orleans Saints season|NO]] ||[[2011 NFL season|2011]]
|13||3||0||{{Winning percentage|13|3|0}}|| '''1st in NFC South'''|| 1 || 1 || {{Winning percentage|1|1}} || <Small>'''Lost to [[San Francisco 49ers]] in [[2011–12 NFL playoffs|NFC Divisional Game]]'''</Small>
|-
! [[2012 New Orleans Saints season|NO]] || [[2012 NFL season|2012]]
| colspan="9" | ''[[New Orleans Saints bounty scandal#Coaches and front office staff|suspended]]''
|- style="background:#fdd;"
! [[2013 New Orleans Saints season|NO]] ||[[2013 NFL season|2013]]
|11||5||0||{{Winning percentage|11|5|0}}|| '''2nd in NFC South''' || 1 || 1 || {{Winning percentage|1|1}} || <Small>'''Lost to [[Seattle Seahawks]] in [[2013–14 NFL playoffs|NFC Divisional Game]]'''</Small>
|-
! [[2014 New Orleans Saints season|NO]] ||[[2014 NFL season|2014]]
|7||9||0||{{Winning percentage|7|9|0}}||2nd in NFC South|| — || — || — || —
|-
! [[2015 New Orleans Saints season|NO]] ||[[2015 NFL season|2015]]
|7||9||0||{{Winning percentage|7|9|0}}||3rd in NFC South|| — || — || — || —
|-
! [[2016 New Orleans Saints season|NO]] ||[[2016 NFL season|2016]]
|7||9||0||{{Winning percentage|7|9|0}}||3rd in NFC South|| — || — || — || —
|- style="background:#fdd;"
! [[2017 New Orleans Saints season|NO]] ||[[2017 NFL season|2017]]
|11||5||0||{{Winning percentage|11|5|0}}||'''1st in NFC South'''|| 1 || 1 || {{Winning percentage|1|1}} || <Small>'''[[Minneapolis Miracle|Lost]] to [[Minnesota Vikings]] in [[2017–18 NFL playoffs|NFC Divisional Game]]'''</Small>
|- style="background:#fdd;"
! [[2018 New Orleans Saints season|NO]] ||[[2018 NFL season|2018]]
|13||3||0||{{winning percentage|13|3|0}}||'''1st in NFC South'''|| 1 || 1 || {{Winning percentage|1|1}} || <Small>'''[[2018 NFC Championship Game|Lost]] to [[Los Angeles Rams]] in [[2018–19 NFL playoffs|NFC Championship Game]]'''</Small>
|- style="background:#fdd;"
! [[2019 New Orleans Saints season|NO]] ||[[2019 NFL season|2019]]
|13||3||0||{{Winning percentage|13|3|0}}||'''1st in NFC South'''|| 0 || 1 || {{Winning percentage|0|1}} || <Small>'''Lost to [[Minnesota Vikings]] in [[2019–20 NFL playoffs|NFC Wild Card Game]]'''</Small>
|- style="background:#fdd;"
! [[2020 New Orleans Saints season|NO]] ||[[2020 NFL season|2020]]
|12||4||0||{{Winning percentage|12|4|0}}||'''1st in NFC South'''|| 1 || 1 || {{Winning percentage|1|1}} || <Small>'''Lost to [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] in [[2020–21 NFL playoffs|NFC Divisional Game]]'''</Small>
|-
! [[2021 New Orleans Saints season|NO]] ||[[2021 NFL season|2021]]
|9||8||0||{{Winning percentage|9|8|0}}||2nd in NFC South|| — || — || — || —
|-
! colspan="2" |NO total || 152 || 89 || 0 || {{winpct|152|89|0}}|| || 9 || 8 || {{winpct|9|8}} ||

|-
! [[2023 Denver Broncos season|DEN]] ||[[2023 NFL season|2023]]
|8||9||0|| {{winpct|8|9}}|| 3rd in AFC West || — || — || — || —

|-style="background:#fdd;"
! [[2024 Denver Broncos season|DEN]] ||[[2024 NFL season|2024]]
|10||7||0|| {{winpct|10|7}}||'''3rd in AFC West''' || 0 || 1 || {{winpct|0|1}} || <Small>'''Lost to [[Buffalo Bills]] in [[2024–25 NFL playoffs|AFC Wild Card Game]]'''</Small>
|-0
! colspan="2" |DEN total || 18 || 16 || 0 || {{winpct|18|16}} || || 0 || 1 || .000 ||
|- 
! colspan="2" | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/PaytSe0.htm Total]||170||105||0||{{Winning percentage|170|105}}|| || 9 || 9 ||{{Winning percentage|9|9}}||
|}

==Coaching tree==
Payton has worked under eight head coaches:
*[[Denny Stolz]], [[San Diego State Aztecs football|San Diego State]] (1988)<ref>{{cite web | last=Krasovic | first=Tom | title=NFL braintrust sees SDSU on good path | website=San Diego Union-Tribune | date=2017-08-21 | url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2017/08/21/nfl-braintrust-sees-sdsu-on-good-path/ | access-date=2025-07-01}}</ref>
*[[Al Luginbill]], San Diego State (1989, 1992–1993)<ref>{{cite web | last=Miller | first=Scott | title=Ex-Graduate Assistant Joins SDSU Staff | website=Los Angeles Times | date=1992-03-03 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-03-03-sp-2958-story.html | access-date=2025-07-01}}</ref>
*[[Dennis Raetz]], [[Indiana State Sycamores football|Indiana State]] (1990–1991)<ref>{{cite web | last=Tickel | first=Hunter | title=Crème de la crème: ISU '80s gridiron juggernaut returns to Memorial Stadium | website=Yahoo! Sports | date=2023-10-25 | url=https://sports.yahoo.com/cr-la-cr-isu-80s-232000195.html | access-date=2025-07-01}}</ref>
*[[Randy Walker (American football coach)|Randy Walker]], [[Miami RedHawks football|Miami (OH)]] (1994–1995)<ref>{{cite web | last=Dickerson | first=Jeff | title=Walker made impact on Saints' Payton | website=ESPN.com | date=2010-02-03 | url=https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4664231/walker-made-impact-on-saints-payton | access-date=2025-07-01}}</ref>
*[[Lou Tepper]], [[Illinois Fighting Illini football|Illinois]] (1996)<ref>{{cite web | last=Kindred | first=Randy | title=Kindred: Chicago Bears star Khalil Mack, former Illinois coach Lou Tepper bonded over football, racquetball at Buffalo | website=pantagraph.com | date=2025-06-27 | url=https://pantagraph.com/sports/football/kindred-chicago-bears-star-khalil-mack-former-illinois-coach-lou-tepper-bonded-over-football-racquetball/article_5245b255-57ce-53f0-be57-77e690da53af.html | access-date=2025-07-01}}</ref>
*[[Ray Rhodes]], [[Philadelphia Eagles]] (1997–1998)<ref>{{cite web | last=McManus | first=Tim | title=Eagles Wake-Up Call: The Bizarre Ray Rhodes Factor | website=Philadelphia Magazine | date=2013-02-05 | url=https://www.phillymag.com/birds247/2013/02/05/eagles-wake-up-call-40/ | access-date=2025-07-01}}</ref>
*[[Jim Fassel]], [[New York Giants]] (1999–2002)<ref>{{cite web | last=Walker | first=Rod | title=Sean Payton reflects on the late Jim Fasell, who he coached under with the New York Giants | website=NOLA.com | date=2021-06-08 | url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/sean-payton-reflects-on-the-late-jim-fasell-who-he-coached-under-with-the-new/article_4ccf3502-c89c-11eb-b9fd-47d827b0e6a0.html | access-date=2025-07-01}}</ref>
*[[Bill Parcells]], [[Dallas Cowboys]] (2003–2005)<ref>{{cite web | last=Triplett | first=Mike | title=How Sean Payton's career was shaped by mentors Jon Gruden, Bill Parcells | website=ESPN.com | date=2020-09-21 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29908073/how-sean-payton-career-was-shaped-mentors-jon-gruden-bill-parcells | access-date=2025-07-01}}</ref>

Thirteen of Payton's assistant coaches became head coaches in the NFL or NCAA:
*[[Doug Marrone]], [[Syracuse Orange football|Syracuse]] (2009–2012), [[Buffalo Bills]] (2013–2014), [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] (2016, interim, 2017–2020)<ref>{{cite web | last=Rodak | first=Mike | title=Marrone-Payton connection still strong | website=ESPN.com | date=2013-10-24 | url=https://www.espn.com/blog/buffalo-bills/post/_/id/3231/marrone-payton-connection-still-strong | access-date=2025-07-01}}</ref>
*[[Curtis Johnson (American football coach)|Curtis Johnson]], [[Tulane Green Wave football|Tulane]] (2012–2015)<ref>{{cite web | last=Dabe | first=Christopher | title=Sean Payton: 'Obviously I pull for' Tulane coach Curtis Johnson before his expected firing | website=NOLA.com | date=2015-11-28 | url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/sean-payton-obviously-i-pull-for-tulane-coach-curtis-johnson-before-his-expected-firing/article_4f40a795-8c3f-5410-aab5-416dac72ba84.html | access-date=2025-07-01}}</ref>
*[[Dennis Allen (American football)|Dennis Allen]], [[Oakland Raiders]] (2012–2014), [[New Orleans Saints]] (2022–2024)<ref>{{cite web | last=Bennett | first=John | title=NFL Combine: Sean Payton's coaching tree growing rapidly | website=fox8live.com | date=2013-02-25 | url=https://www.fox8live.com/story/21321228/nfl-combine-sean-paytons-coaching-tree-growing-rapidly/ | access-date=2025-07-01}}</ref>
*[[Aaron Kromer]], New Orleans Saints (2012, interim)<ref>{{cite web | last=Yasinskas | first=Pat | title=Aaron Kromer logical fit as interim II coach | website=ESPN.com | date=2012-04-12 | url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/33712/kromer-logical-fit-as-interim-ii-coach | access-date=2025-07-01}}</ref>
*[[Joe Vitt]], New Orleans Saints (2012, interim)<ref>{{cite web | title=Sean Payton hires Joe Vitt out of retirement as assistant coach on Broncos' staff | website=NBC Sports | date=2023-03-26 | url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/sean-payton-hires-joe-vitt-out-of-retirement-as-assistant-coach-on-broncos-staff | access-date=2025-07-01}}</ref>
*[[Marc Trestman]], [[Chicago Bears]] (2013–2014)<ref>{{cite web | last=Seligman | first=Andrew | title=Bears coach Trestman once worked for Saints' Payton | website=The State Journal-Register | date=2013-10-04 | url=https://www.sj-r.com/story/sports/2013/10/04/bears-coach-trestman-once-worked/42453917007/ | access-date=2025-07-01}}</ref>
*[[Ed Orgeron]], [[USC Trojans football|USC]] (2013, interim), [[LSU Tigers football|LSU]] (2016–2021)<ref>{{cite web | last=Doucet | first=Jacques | last2=Auzenne | first2=Josh | title=Saints head coach Sean Payton speaks highly of LSU’s Ed Orgeron | website=WAFB | date=2019-06-19 | url=https://www.wafb.com/2019/06/14/saints-head-coach-sean-payton-speaks-highly-lsus-ed-orgeron/ | access-date=2025-07-01}}</ref>
*[[John Bonamego]], [[Central Michigan Chippewas football|Central Michigan]] (2015–2018)<ref>{{cite web | last=Rothstein | first=Michael | title=Bonamego, longtime NFL, college coach, retiring | website=ESPN.com | date=2023-02-17 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35681118/john-bonamego-long-nfl-assistant-former-cmu-coach-retiring | access-date=2025-07-01}}</ref>
*[[Mike Neu]], [[Ball State Cardinals football|Ball State]] (2016–2024)<ref>{{cite web | title=New Orleans Saints name Mike Neu quarterbacks coach | website=NewOrleansSaints.com | date=2014-02-05 | url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/new-orleans-saints-name-mike-neu-quarterbacks-coach-12583050 | access-date=2025-07-01}}</ref>
*[[Steve Spagnuolo]], New York Giants (2017, interim)<ref>{{cite web | last=Rosenthal | first=Gregg | title=Saints to hire Steve Spagnuolo | website=NBC Sports | date=2012-01-19 | url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/saints-hire-steve-spagnuolo | access-date=2025-07-01}}</ref>
*[[Gregg Williams]], [[Cleveland Browns]] (2018, interim)<ref>{{cite web | last=Alper | first=Josh | title=Gregg Williams: Sean Payton and I are friends for life | website=NBC Sports | date=2018-09-14 | url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/gregg-williams-sean-payton-and-i-are-friends-for-life | access-date=2025-07-01}}</ref>
*[[Dan Campbell]], [[Detroit Lions]] (2021–present)<ref>{{cite web | last=Rogers | first=Justin | title=As coaching tree branches, Lions' coordinators share best lessons learned under Campbell | website=Detroit News| date=2024-01-12 | url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2024/01/12/coaching-tree-branches-lions-coordinators-share-best-lessons-learned-campbell/72198812007/ | access-date=2025-07-01}}</ref>
*[[Aaron Glenn]], [[New York Jets]] (2025–present)<ref>{{cite web | last=Heath | first=Jon | title=Sean Payton reacts to Jets hiring member of his coaching tree | website=Yahoo! Sports | date=2025-01-23 | url=https://sports.yahoo.com/sean-payton-reacts-jets-hiring-173200527.html | access-date=2025-07-01}}</ref>

Three of Payton's executives became general managers in the NFL:
*[[Ryan Pace]], Chicago Bears (2015–2021)<ref>{{cite web | last=Dickerson | first=Jeff | title=Sean Payton: GM Ryan Pace has Bears headed in right direction | website=ESPN.com | date=2017-10-26 | url=https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago-bears/post/_/id/4706806/sean-payton-gm-ryan-pace-has-bears-headed-in-right-direction | access-date=2025-07-01}}</ref>
*[[Terry Fontenot]], [[Atlanta Falcons]] (2021–present)<ref>{{cite web | last=McFadden | first=Will | title=Falcons getting a ‘tireless worker’ in new GM Terry Fontenot | website=Atlanta Falcons| date=2021-01-19 | url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-getting-a-tireless-worker-in-new-gm-terry-fontenot | access-date=2025-07-01}}</ref>
*[[Darren Mougey]], [[New York Jets]] (2025–present)<ref>{{cite web | last=Wojton | first=Nick | title=6 things to know about new Jets general manager Darren Mougey | website=Jets Wire|publisher=USA Today | date=2025-01-27 | url=https://jetswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/jets/2025/01/27/6-things-know-new-york-jets-general-manager-darren-mougey-hire-nfl/77966018007/ | access-date=2025-07-01}}</ref>

==Broadcasting career==
After stepping down as head coach of the Saints, Payton joined Fox to work in studio throughout 2022, becoming a part of the [[Fox NFL Sunday]] panel as a fill-in for [[Jimmy Johnson (American football coach)|Jimmy Johnson]]'s off days.<ref>{{cite web |last=Florio |first=Mike |title=Sean Payton joins Fox for 2022 |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/05/16/sean-payton-joins-fox-for-2022/ |date=May 16, 2022}}</ref> Payton was also in talks to join [[Amazon (company)|Amazon]]'s NFL coverage before accepting the role.<ref>{{cite news |last=Selbe |first=Nick |title=Sean Payton to Join Fox Studio Show in 2022, per Report |newspaper=Sports Illustrated |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/05/16/sean-payton-joins-fox-broadcast-2022-season}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Payton met Beth Shuey, an Indiana State University graduate, while coaching there.<ref>{{harvnb|Payton|2010|pp=18–19}}</ref> The couple have two children, daughter Meghan (born 1997) and son Connor (born 2000).<ref>{{harvnb|Payton|2010|p=54}}</ref> Payton is [[Irish Catholic]].<ref>{{harvnb|Payton|2010|p=74}}</ref> Payton and his family moved to a home in [[Mandeville, Louisiana]] when he became the Saints' head coach. The home, like many built on the [[Gulf Coast of the United States|Gulf Coast]] after [[Hurricane Katrina]], later turned out to be constructed with [[2009 Chinese drywall controversy|defective Chinese drywall]], and Payton eventually became a named plaintiff in a widely reported [[class action]] lawsuit against the manufacturer, [[Knauf]] Plasterboard Tianjin Co. Ltd.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hammer |first=David  |last2=Reckdahl |first2=Katy  |date=June 19, 2010 |title=Chinese drywall cases settled in Louisiana; big award granted in Florida |url=https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/article_b791c404-ec1d-54db-8ab2-45d65d041e63.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191129044254/https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/article_b791c404-ec1d-54db-8ab2-45d65d041e63.html |archive-date=November 29, 2019 |access-date=November 29, 2019 |website=The Times-Picayune}}</ref>

In the wake of the issues with their home in Mandeville, the Paytons decided to move the family back to the [[Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex|Dallas area]] in 2011 when they purchased a home in the Vacquero Club, an upscale golf community in [[Westlake, Texas|Westlake]] that is home to several [[PGA Tour]] professionals, as well as the [[Jonas Brothers]] and [[Josh Hamilton]].<ref name="CSC">{{Cite web |last=Cariello |first=Dave |date=February 7, 2011 |title=Sean Payton and Family Moving to Dallas |url=http://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2011/2/7/1980369/sean-payton-and-family-moving-to-dallas |access-date=December 12, 2011 |website=Canal Street Chronicles|publisher=SB Nation}}</ref> Rumors swirled over the [[Super Bowl XLV|2011 Super Bowl weekend]] that the move would coincide with Payton returning to the Cowboys as the [[General manager (American football)|General Manager]] or in some other executive capacity, but these turned out to be groundless.<ref>{{cite web | title=Rumors of Payton to Dallas not squashed | website=Yahoo! Sports | date=2011-02-07 | url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/rumors-payton-dallas-not-squashed-215900234--nfl.html | access-date=2025-07-01}}</ref> At the time, he maintained a residence in the [[New Orleans metropolitan area|New Orleans area]] during the season, while his family resided full-time in Westlake, a 90-minute trip via a privately chartered flight.<ref name="CSC" />

In June 2012, Payton and his wife Beth filed for divorce.<ref>{{cite news |last=O'Brien |first=Pete |date=July 12, 2012 |title=Sean Payton files for divorce from wife of nearly 20 years |newspaper=USA TODAY |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2012/07/sean-payton-saints-divorce/1 |access-date=July 3, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-07-03 |title=Saints coach Payton, wife both file for divorce |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8125148/new-orleans-saints-sean-payton-wife-file-dueling-divorce-petitions |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref>

In 2014, after his suspension and the finalization of his divorce, he moved from the New Orleans suburbs where he had kept his in-season home to [[Uptown New Orleans]], buying a [[Condominium (living space)|condo]] in that neighborhood. Shortly before the 2015 season, which coincided with the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, he hosted a dinner for the four coaches and four players who had continuously been with the Saints since he became head coach, and presented each of them with a [[Rolex]] watch.<ref name=Thompson/>

In January 2018, New Orleans musician Shamarr Allen dedicated a song to Payton entitled "Hit the Sean Payton"<ref>{{cite web|title=Shamarr Allen – Hit the Sean Payton|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEfxe2_O-CI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/AEfxe2_O-CI |archive-date=December 19, 2021 |url-status=live|publisher=[[YouTube]]|date=October 2, 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref> which he composed after watching an Instagram live video of Payton dancing in celebration with the Saints players after defeating the [[Carolina Panthers]] for the third time [[2017 New Orleans Saints season|that season]].<ref>{{cite news|title=See Sean Payton dance, and other Saints locker room pandemonium|url=https://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2018/01/sean_payton_dances_and_other_s.html|work=[[The Times-Picayune]]|date=January 8, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hanzus |first=Dan |date=January 8, 2018 |title=NOLA paper declares Saints as Panthers' new owner |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nola-paper-declares-saints-as-panthers-new-owner-0ap3000000904338 |access-date=2025-07-01 |publisher=[[National Football League]]}}</ref><ref name="z172">{{cite web | last=Teope | first=Herbie | title=Sean Payton: 'I got a beer and a song in the same two weeks' | website=NOLA.com | date=2018-01-10 | url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/sean-payton-i-got-a-beer-and-a-song-in-the-same-two-weeks/article_d8916e2f-273c-5b3e-a358-45e24aa39695.html | access-date=2025-01-22}}</ref> Saints running back [[Alvin Kamara]] had recorded the locker room celebrations for his Instagram live feed and the video went viral on social media.<ref name="s885">{{cite web | last=Caffey | first=Connor | title=Saints HC Sean Payton dance moves have gone viral with hit song | website=Saints Wire|publisher=USA Today | date=2018-01-12 | url=https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2018/01/12/new-orleans-saints-sean-payton-viral-video-dance-alvin-kamara/ | access-date=2025-01-22}}</ref> On November 10, 2019, at the end of the Saints vs. [[Atlanta Falcons|Falcons]] game, it was announced that Payton had gotten engaged two days prior on November 8 to his girlfriend, Skylene Montgomery.<ref name="q640">{{cite web | last=Bynum | first=Chris | title=Meet Skylene Montgomery: Sean Payton's fiancée on life as a tomboy, pageant queen, fitness buff | website=NOLA.com | date=June 18, 2021 | url=https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/meet-skylene-montgomery-sean-paytons-fianc-e-on-life-as-a-tomboy-pageant-queen-fitness/article_58245586-1781-11ea-9062-ab180160779c.html | access-date=October 18, 2024}}</ref> They married in a private ceremony on June 18, 2021, in [[Cabo San Lucas]], [[Mexico]]. The wedding was officiated by former NBA player and coach [[Avery Johnson]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 22, 2021 |title=SEAN PAYTON WEDDING PHOTO: Beautiful bride, groom in Nike sneakers and an NBA legend as officiant |url=https://www.wdsu.com/article/sean-payton-wedding-photo-beautiful-bride-groom-in-nike-sneakers-and-nba-legend-as-officiant/36772237 |access-date=January 30, 2022 |website=WDSU |language=en}}</ref>

On March 19, 2020, it was reported that Payton had tested positive for [[COVID-19]]. Payton became the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the NFL.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Florio |first=Mike |author-link=Mike Florio |date=March 19, 2020 |title=Sean Payton tests positive for COVID-19 |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/sean-payton-tests-positive-for-covid-19 |access-date=March 19, 2020 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Honors and awards==
* [[National Football League Coach of the Year Award]]—[[Associated Press|AP]], ''[[Sporting News|SN]]'', ''[[Pro Football Weekly|PFW]]'', [[Maxwell Football Club|Maxwell]] (2006)
* [[Kansas City Committee of 101 awards|Kansas City Committee of 101]] [[Kansas City Committee of 101 awards#Coach of the Year Awards|NFC Coach of the Year]] (2006, 2009)
* [[ESPY Award]]s [[Outstanding Team ESPY Award|Outstanding Team]]—[[2009 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]] ([[2010 ESPY Awards|2010]])
* [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] [[Silver Anniversary Awards]] ([[List of Silver Anniversary Awards recipients#Class of 2012|2012]])<ref>[https://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/public/ncaa/resources/latest+news/2012/january/former+ncaa+stars+shine+at+honors+celebration Former NCAA stars shine at Honors Celebration] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523041706/http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/public/ncaa/resources/latest%2Bnews/2012/january/former%2Bncaa%2Bstars%2Bshine%2Bat%2Bhonors%2Bcelebration |date=May 23, 2012 }}. NCAA.org (January 13, 2012). Retrieved on July 29, 2013.</ref>

==Selected works==
*{{citation|last=Payton|first=Sean|title=Home Team: Coaching the Saints and New Orleans Back to Life|place=New York |publisher=New American Library|year=2010|isbn=978-0-451-23261-8|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/hometeamcoaching00payt_0}}

==In popular culture==
*Payton is played by [[Kevin James]] in the 2022 film ''[[Home Team (2022 film)|Home Team]]'', a comedy based around Payton's suspension after the 2012 Bounty Scandal.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McLaughlin  |first=Connor |date=January 31, 2022 |title=Kevin James is Sean Payton in 'Home Team,' which fumbles the ball in every way imaginable |url=https://www.lsureveille.com/entertainment/kevin-james-is-sean-payton-in-home-team-which-fumbles-the-ball-in-every-way/article_fe66e200-8170-11ec-b0f9-ab71a69fdb8c.html |access-date=October 9, 2023 |website=The Reveille |language=en}}</ref> He also made a cameo appearance in the film.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Boylan |first=Brendan |date=January 28, 2022 |title=WATCH: Sean Payton's Cameo Appearance in 'Home Team' Movie |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/saints/news/sean-payton-cameo-appearance-netflix-home-team |access-date=October 9, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist-ua}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
*[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/PaytSe0.htm Coaching statistics] at [[Pro Football Reference]]
* [https://www.denverbroncos.com/team/coaches-roster/sean-payton Denver Broncos profile]

{{NFL head coaches}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Payton, Sean}}
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[[Category:Players of Canadian football from California]]
[[Category:Players of Canadian football from Illinois]]
[[Category:Players of Canadian football from Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:San Diego State Aztecs football coaches]]
[[Category:Super Bowl–winning head coaches]]