After 15 years with the New Orleans Saints, Sean Payton announced that he will be retiring from the National Football League.

Payton started his college coaching career in 1988 and wrapped it up in 1996 to shift his abilities to the NFL. In 1988, he started coaching at San Diego State University as an Offensive Assistant. As he worked his way up, he went to Illinois University to become the quarterback coach. Not long after, in 1997 he was offered to coach for the Philadelphia Eagles as the quarterback coach. Payton was a very successful quarterback coach for the Eagles, and as a result, he was offered the Dallas Cowboys Asst. Head Coach job in 2003. After three successful seasons with the Cowboys, Payton accepted the Head Coaching position with the New Orleans Saints.

In his 15-year coaching career with the New Orleans Saints, Payton had a 152-89 record and led them to a victory in the 2009 Super Bowl. Many analysts believe that Payton will coach for another team next year. However, in his farewell press conference, Payton shut down those rumors.

“That is not where my heart is at right now. It is not at all,” said Payton via cbssports.com. “My plans are not to be coaching in 2022, and that is just how I feel. I think it is easier to be fired, as difficult as that is. But when you choose to leave… it was a decision ultimately that sat with me, and I am comfortable with it.”

Many Saints players paid respect to Payton on social media and thanked him for everything that he did for the program.

“That is my HC, at the end of the day if Sean is stepping away he has a master plan,” said Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan via Twitter. “Nothing but love for you Sean. If this is it for you as my HC then I thank you for drafting me, building phenomenal teams like ‘11 and ‘18-21 first off the top of my head. 11 years my coach, forever respect.”

After 15 years of coaching for the New Orleans Saints, Payton will be retiring. Payton left a huge mark on the organization and the city of New Orleans. Payton became the Saints head coach two years after Hurricane Katrina. Payton brought hope to the city in a time of need, he left a huge impact on the NFL and thousands of lives across the country.