Cardinals have permission to speak with Sean Payton about coaching vacancy

The Cardinals begin the process of finding a new head coach to replace Kliff Kingsbury.

The Arizona Cardinals are searching for a new head coach after firing Kliff Kingsbury this week. The biggest name available is former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton.

However, because he retired a year ago while still under contract with the Saints through 2024, teams must obtain permission from New Orleans to interview him.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Cardinals are interested in Payton and have received permission from the Saints to speak with him.

Payton won a Super Bowl with the Saints and, in 15 seasons went 152-89, making nine playoff appearances and reaching double digits in wins nine times.

He has a connection with the team and has had interest in the job for some time, even though it was not known until this week whether Kingsbury would be fired.

Because he is still technically under contract with the Saints, the Cardinals would likely have to compensate the Saints if they wished to hire him.

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