3 most intriguing early coaching candidates that can return the Colts to contender status

September 18, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans celebrates during the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
September 18, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans celebrates during the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
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Colts
Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints looks on before the game against the Washington Football Team. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

2. Sean Payton, Last Coached 2021 New Orleans Saints

Sean Payton has been making headlines for possibly returning to coaching after taking this season off. He has coached football for 24 years and has amassed a record of 222-161-1 and won a Super Bowl against the Colts in 2009. He was named the Coach of the Year in 2006 and has many other awards to his name. Payton wanted to take the year off but has left the door open for a return.

In a recent interview, Payton said that he would return to a team that was in a good state. The Colts are not really in the best of states as things currently stand and Payton said he wanted to avoid teams that can be described as “dysfunctional.” I think the Colts are as close to that as they can be. The hope is that getting a new coach will bring a newly rejuvenated team together that is hungry to win.

Sean Payton may be a shot in the dark for Indianapolis but one the team should take solely because of the interest to bring in a future Hall-of-Fame coach. Payton will bring a winning pedigree to any team. That is something that the Colts need. There is a new vibe that is needed and I think that Sean Payton brings that vibe to a team.

Not to mention, there would also be a chance that he could pull some former players over to Indy too if he were to be hired. I would love to see Payton coach in Indianapolis next year, but the Colts need to clean things up to make the job more appealing.

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