Payton expects to coach again but 'no way to predict' where

Sean Payton can picture himself back on the sideline as an NFL head coach, but imagining where that might take place is a lot harder.

"Ultimately, do I think I'll get back in? Sure," Payton told Jarrett Bell of USA Today. "There's no way to predict who that club might be. Usually, there are about six openings every year. If there's a right fit somewhere, that ultimately will depend on several factors."

Payton shockingly stepped down as head coach of the New Orleans Saints this offseason, though he never ruled out returning to the NFL in the future.

"I still have a vision for doing things in football, and I'll be honest with you, that might be coaching again at some point," he said in January. "I don't think it's this year - I think maybe in the future, but that's not where my heart is right now."

The 58-year-old compiled a 152-89 record over 15 seasons as Saints head coach. He also delivered the franchise its lone championship with a victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV.

Since then, Payton has been linked with the Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys. However, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones previously said any rumored interest in Payton was being pulled "out of the air."

Any team wanting to sway Payton would likely have to work out a trade with the Saints, who own his rights until 2024.

Payton will spend the 2022 season with Fox Sports as a studio analyst.