Sean Payton is a big supporter of his former players, and that's the case even if they take potshots at the Saints shortly before his retirement press conference.
The Saints coach spoke to the media for more than 90 minutes while announcing his decision, and hit on a number of topics, including the players he's coached in recent years who are set for the AFC Championship as members of the Bengals.
"The hardest thing for a player sometimes, when they end up on a different roster, man we're pulling for you," Payton said. "like, I'm pulling for Vonn Bell and Trey [Hendrickson]."
At that point Payton paused for a moment, likely considering Eli Apple's Twitter tirade in which he blasted the team, "smelly" New Orleans and even crawfish. The cornerback played for the Saints during the 2018 and 2019 seasons and was a member of two playoff runs in black and gold.
"Eli a little bit," Payton continued, then smiling and waiting for the next question.
It was a lighthearted moment on an emotional day for the Saints head coach, who will step away from coaching after 16 seasons in New Orleans. The decision came after weeks of speculation regarding his coaching future, though he confirmed he hasn't had any discussions regarding a move into media, and he doesn't intend to coach in 2022.
"It's time ... but not with any regret," Payton said. "There's some excitement, like 'all right, what's next?' And I honestly don't know what's next."
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