The Los Angeles Chargers’ epic collapse to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday night has only ramped up the Sean Payton speculation.
CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones reported on Sunday that Payton has “had his eyes” on the Chargers job, which could potentially open up after Brandon Staley oversaw his team blow a 27-0 lead in the Wild Card round game.
The Chargers job, should it become open, would certainly have plenty of appeal as a playoff-caliber team with a rising star at quarterback in Justin Herbert.
Yet, while the roster may be a fit for Payton, ownership may not.
Many reporters have pointed out that the Spanos family, which owns the Chargers, would be unlikely to meet the price of what Payton would ultimately cost.
Andrew Brandt, former ESPN analyst and VP of the Green Bay Packers, tweeted that if Payton had the option between the Broncos and the Chargers it would essentially be between one of the poorest ownership groups vs. one of the wealthiest in Denver.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Chargers stressed prior to Saturday’s game that they had no plans to move on from Staley and he also does not believe the Chargers will be aggressive enough to land Payton.
While NFL head coaching salaries are not disclosed, Sean McVay is believed to be the highest-paid coach at $15-18 million a year and Payton would presumably cost something similar.
The Saints also still own the rights to him — which would require compensation to New Orleans in order to sign him.
The Broncos, Cardinals and Texans have all received permission from the Saints to talk to him.
Whether or not the Chargers are willing to go the distance for Payton may be what ultimately decides Staley's fate.
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