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NFL Rumors: Latest Trade and Coaching Reports Following Week 17
- Updated: January 2, 2017
The conclusion of the NFL regular season shifts much of the focus toward the playoffs, but for the teams that were unable to qualify for the postseason, it often signals rumors regarding their head coaching situations.
Multiple teams fired their coaches prior to the end of the season, and there may be more to come as organizations look to shake up the chemistry and leadership structure in hopes of becoming contenders moving forward.
As teams look to settle on long-term solutions at head coach, here is a rundown of some of the hottest coaching and trade rumors during the aftermath of Week 17.
Sean Payton to Rams?
While Sean Payton returned to coach the New Orleans Saints in 2016 despite rumors of a potential trade to another franchise last offseason, there is once again talk that the former Super Bowl winner could be on the move.
According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, there is “mutual interest” between Payton and the Los Angeles Rams, who fired Jeff Fisher a few weeks ago. The biggest potential sticking point is whether Saints general manager Mickey Loomis would be willing to part with Payton for “moderate compensation.”
Rapoport also reported that the Saints’ patience is wearing thin with regard to Payton expressing interest in other jobs.
From a performance standpoint, Payton has faltered in recent years, as the Saints have finished 7-9 in three consecutive seasons and haven’t reached the playoffs since 2013.
When asked about his future with the team after New Orleans’ loss to the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Payton declined to comment, per Josh Katzenstein of the Times-Picayune:
Sean Payton asked if he’ll be coaching the Saints next season: “Next question.”
— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) January 2, 2017
The Saints once again boasted a potent offense in 2016 thanks largely to Payton’s presence and the play of quarterback Drew Brees, but defensive issues have held them back.
The opposite is true of …
