Sean Payton rumors: Fox analyst appears to confirm his return to network, forgo coaching in 2023

The Sean Payton sweepstakes has come to a screeching halt.

The Cardinals, Broncos and Panthers were all reportedly interested in bringing the former Saints head coach into the fray, but it looks like Payton has found a home at least for another year.

Some recent reports indicated that Payton was a more than 50-50 shot to stay in the Fox studio as opposed to taking a head coach opening this cycle. Payton didn’t close the door on a return on Sunday, but offered a somewhat a confusing explanation to his recent interviews and his process.

“What are we doing here? Coach Payton, ‘sup?'” – @PSchrags@SeanPayton gives us the latest on all things… Sean Payton ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/1zv5rBdEyU

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 29, 2023

MORE: Why Sean Payton may not return to coaching in 2023

“I think in the next week, we’re gonna learn a lot more,” Payton said in regards to openings around the league. “No, no, no, no (the doors are not closed yet) — I think there’s a handful of things that are still taking place for these coaches and myself.”

Word salad aside, Payton was a little bit more direct with a response later in the show. When asked semi-directly if he was going to head back into coaching or if he was staying with Fox, let his actions speak.

“If you’re going to stay here at FOX, you will get the big trophy.”

Sean Payton chose the big trophy 👀pic.twitter.com/8rJtqoTc6e

— 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 (@sportingnews) January 29, 2023

There are still a few head coach vacancies across the league, including in Arizona, Denver, Houston and Indianapolis. Payton interviewed with all except Indianapolis.

For at least one more offseason, though, Payton’s name won’t be attached to any of those openings.