Sean Payton knows you're never too old to learn some new tricks, or in this case to share them.
That goal was what led former NFL coach Mike Martz to be at the Saints' practice Thursday morning, standing alongside Payton as they watched the team go through drills.
The 70-year-old who led record-setting offenses with the then-St. Louis Rams, dubbed "the greatest show on turf," shipped down from his San Diego home to share some of his insights at the request of Payton. The Saints coach said he sent Martz a text that said "is this still your number?"
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As his appearance shows, that number was correct. Martz was the head coach for the Rams from 2000-'05, leading them to a 52-32 record and a Super Bowl appearance. He later spent stints as an offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears.
"There’s a bunch of us that I think could learn from having him for a few days," Payton said. "He’s one of the better offensive coaches we’ve seen, so it’s good to have him out here."
Martz will be in town for a few days, Payton said, sitting in on meetings and with access to film. The Saints coach is eager to hear any ideas, for example: Is there something the Rams did with Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk that the Saints could employ with star Alvin Kamara?
"The whole time I’d say to the staff, 'some day I hope when I’m his age, someone asks me to come to camp and spend a few days.' ... If there’s one or two ideas that we can apply to our team this upcoming season that fits us, it’s worth it," Payton said. "And he’s exceptionally smart. Just having him watch practice and make observations, it’s pretty impressive."
The Saints are scheduled to close out their preseason on Saturday when they host the Arizona Cardinals.
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