2023 NFL Coaching Tracker: Latest News, Rumors and Buzz
News 1/11/23
Monday, Jan. 16
Payton Interviews with Texans; Saints Seek First-Rounder
Former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton interviewed with the Houston Texans on Monday night, just hours after he told Colin Cowherd he would "absolutely" consider coaching them in 2023.
The Saints will reportedly seek a first-round pick in exchange for hiring Payton. In the interview, Payton said he was told in conversations with Saints general manager Mickey Loomis that the asking price for his services was likely to be a first-round draft pick.
After firing Bill O'Brien, David Culley, and Lovie Smith in successive seasons, the Texans will head into 2023 with their fourth head coach in as many seasons and are in need of some stability. Adding the 59-year-old Payton, who earned a 152-89 win-loss record across 15 seasons in New Orleans, would bring exactly that.
Since Payton is still under contract with the Saints, a team looking to hiring him must give up compensation in exchange for his services, and reported asking price to acquire him in a trade from the Saints is a mid-to-late first-round pick. Houston currently has the No. 2 and No. 12 overall selections in the 2023 Draft.
Jim Harbaugh Returning as Michigan Coach
Jim Harbaugh officially has decided to return for his ninth season as Michigan's coach according to a statement from University President Santa Ono.
"I love the relationships that I have at Michigan - coaches, staff, families, administration, President Santa Ono and especially the players and their families," Harbaugh said in his own personal statement. "My Heart is at the University of Michigan. I once heard a wise man say, 'Don't try to out-happy, happy.' Go Blue!"
Harbaugh's Wolverines finished 13-1 this season, winning the Big 10 Championship before losing to TCU in the College Football Playoff Semifinal, 51-45. He has a 74-25 overall record as Michigan's coach.
Broncos to Interview Dan Quinn
Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is scheduled to interview for the Broncos' coaching position on Friday, ESPN reported.
Quinn is among two candidates yet to interview for the Broncos job along with 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans. Quinn was hired by the Cowboys in 2021 under coach Mike McCarthy, following the departure of Mike Nolan. In his first season with Dallas, Quinn helped the team finish with a 12-5 record and win the NFC East.
He was the Falcons' coach from 2015-2020, leading his team to Super Bowl LI in 2016, which they ultimately lost to the Patriots. In January 2022, Quinn signed a multi-year contract extension with the Cowboys.
Colts Expanding Coaching Search
The Colts requested to interview Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans and Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale for their coaching job, according to multiple reports.
Indianapolis parted ways with coach Frank Reich midway through the 2022 NFL regular season and turned to former star center Jeff Saturday, who finished 1-7 in his short tenure. However, reports have indicated Saturday is a legitimate candidate for the permanent job.
Kafka helped revitalize Daniel Jones and the Giants' offense this season and might've made his most impressive statement Sunday when the Giants scored 31 points in a playoff upset against the Vikings. Giants coach Brian Daboll told reporters Kafka would not be participating in any interviews this week.
Ryans became one of the most popular names in the coaching market this season while leading the 49ers' top-ranked defense. He will interview with the Broncos on Thursday and reportedly has plans to meet with the Colts, Cardinals and Texans prior to the 49ers' playoff game on Sunday. At just 38 years old, Ryans would become one of the NFL's youngest head coaches.
Martindale, meanwhile, is a veteran coordinator who has coached in the NFL since 2004. In 2022, his first year in charge of the Giants' defense, Martindale helped restore New York's damaged defensive reputation. His defense held Justin Jefferson to less than 50 yards receiving Sunday. This is Martindale's first coaching interview request this cycle.