New Orleans Saints Veteran Makes Statement Regarding Franchise Future After Sean Payton Exit

Sean Payton has been HC at the New Orleans Saints for a long time. He has overseen some of the most successful moments of the team’s history as well as gone through many lows in his career. Over his long tenure, he drafted and developed dozens of players for the Saints. One of these has been RB Mark Ingram.

Mark Ingram started his career in the NFL at the New Orleans Saints in 2011, under Sean Payton. After almost a decade at the franchise, the RB moved to other teams before finally making his return to the Saints again in the middle of the 2021 season. When he returned to the team in 2021, Payton was still the HC. But for the first time in almost two decades, the Saints face the uncertain situation of not having Payton at the helm.

What did Ingram say about Payton’s exit and the new coach?

The former Saints’ HC took an offer from the Dolphins to become their HC and has already exited New Orleans. It would definitely have come as a shock to all Saints’ players and staff. The situation led Ingram to talk about the future of the Saints. He had been the HC for the better part of two decades, having held the position since 2006. His sudden departure led the franchise to appoint former team defensive coordinator Dennis Allen as the new HC.

Given this situation, Ingram addressed the NFL world via the team website, about what the change meant for the Saints and how they intended to move ahead without their former HC. One thing that Ingram highlighted was that the core of the team remained the same, despite Payton’s exit. He said, “I think that was huge, keeping the DNA the same. It’s not like it’s a full rebuild here. I think you have a team that can make a lot of noise and make a run at it.” 

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According to the RB, having the same team would allow continuity, without forcing everyone to adapt to a completely new situation. He also mentioned new HC Dennis Allen, saying, “D.A. [Dennis Allen] has done a great job of just trying to keep it as normal as possible and adding his own kind of flavor to it.” Allen already has some idea of the team he is handling, given his previous role. What’s more important is that he seems to be well-liked and has received positive reviews so far.

Sean Payton and his record at the Saints over the years

Payton has been one of the most successful coaches at the Saints. He led the franchise to their first-ever Super Bowl in 2009 and has coached them to multiple playoffs. He coached the team for 15 seasons and most of the current team have known no other HC than Peyton.

Payton’s tenure from 2006 to 2021 has seen players like Ingram get drafted and develop into veterans. He has a record of 153 wins and 89 losses over the course of his tenure with the Saints. He left his position with the New Orleans club after an offer as the HC of the Miami Dolphins.

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