Report: Saints could allow Sean Payton to pursue other jobs in offseason

The New Orleans Saints have rebounded from an 0-3 start to get back to .500 halfway through the year, but the quick turnaround has done little to solidify the future of the club's head coach.

After reports earlier this season suggested Sean Payton would be open to other coaching opportunities in the offseason, it now appears the organization won't stand in his way.

In addition to a "change of control" clause that could instantly make him a free agent if there's an adjustment to the team's ownership structure, the Saints would also be inclined to simply let Payton out of his contract if he has his sights set elsewhere, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Payton, the architect of a Saints offense that's long been one of the NFL's most explosive units, would likely have no shortage of suitors should he become available at season's end.

He currently sports an impressive 84-52 head-coaching record in eight-plus seasons at the helm in New Orleans, including the Super Bowl title that followed the 2009 campaign.

Among the most notable teams in the market for a new head coach are the Miami Dolphins, who parted ways with Joe Philbin just four games into the season.