(SportsRadio 610) - The Texans have been granted permission to interview Super Bowl winning coach Sean Payton for their head coach opening, the NFL Network reports.
After firing Lovie Smith and David Culley in back-to-back losing seasons, the Texans are now looking for their third coach in as many seasons under general manager Nick Caserio.
Some of the reported candidates include San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans; Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson; Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon; Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen; Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka.
But Payton, widely considered one of the best offensive minds in the game, would easily be the top candidate. He is 161-97 for his career, including a Super Bowl (XLIV) and Coach of the Year (2006) with the New Orleans Saints.
Something to watch if interest moves further along is how much roster control Payton would be given with Caserio as the general manager.
Acquiring Payton would require the Texans to trade for him, since the Saints still own the rights to his contract.
The Texans hold the No. 2 overall pick in this year's draft, along with another 10 picks, including two in the first round and five in the first three rounds. They also have additional cap space to spend on free agents, making the job more attractive than it has been the previous two years it was open.
Brandon Scott is the editor for SportsRadio610.com. Follow him on Twitter @brandonkscott. Reach him directly via email: brandon.scott@audacy.com.
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