Getty ImagesSetting aside for now the question of whether the one-year suspension served by Saints coach Sean Payton will push the final year of his contract from 2012 to 2013, a bigger question arises regarding the moment at which Payton’s contract will expire, if 2012 indeed becomes the final year of his contract.
The NFL advises that there is no standard formula promulgated by the league regarding the expiration of coaching contracts, making it an issue resolved case-by-case between teams and the coaches. Some coaching contracts end after the Super Bowl. Some last until the end of February.
Rarely is the precise timing ever an issue, since coaches either get extensions or they get fired long before the day on which the contract would have otherwise evaporated.
In Payton’s case, he would not be free to talk to any other team until his contract with the Saints expires, even if he is reinstated before the Super Bowl.
While this question becomes pertinent only if the Saints insist on Payton honoring his contract to the letter, it gives the franchise a tool for painting Payton into a corner, preventing him from talking to any other teams — and thus forcing those teams to look elsewhere for new coaches — into early February or, possibly, into early March.
Or, in theory, perhaps even later. It all comes down to the specific date when Payton’s contract ends. For now, that’s not known.
But now that we’ve framed up the issue, it likely will be. Soon.
Channel Finder
Wasn’t there an article that the NFL voided his contract or something?
voided the extension
Congrats John Abraham!! you got your 43 forced fumble today- 4 more to be the greatest of all time on your way to the HoF. Now that Drew, is a meaningful record
last time i checked it was zero combined career playoff wins between matt ryan, mike turner, gonzo, and roddy white. how meaningful is that playoff record for ya?
@NOLA in Focus
As a falcon fan , I’m pretty happy right now. How about you?
see you in January….er scratch that- november, HAHAHAHA.
the bright side is , you’ll probably have a fun time during the NFL draft
so you agree with me. I’ll have to settle for seeing you in November, cause you nor any Falcons will be coming to NOLA February 3rd for the Superbowl. Have fun day dreaming about it in the meantime!
Payton would be more than WELCOME in Chicago. and I hope Emery is staying as close to this contract date. the BEARS NEED A COACH
Its in NO? I didnt know that, The advertisements about it being in No must have been obscured by that growth on Drew’s cheek.
To all of the Falcon comments, I have one thing that married women tell single women, YOU CANNOT SAY ANYTHING TO ME UNTIL YOU GET A RING.
When the Saints Signed Drew did Kauto get a separate contract? Does it call the audibles? lol
steviaquinn says: Dec 16, 2012 7:23 PM
Congrats John Abraham!! you got your 43 forced fumble today- 4 more to be the greatest of all time on your way to the HoF. Now that Drew, is a meaningful record
————————-
Dream on. The only way Abraham gets into the Hall of Fame is with a ticket.
That Falcons championship is impressive. Oh wait….
Careful there snax, the Falcons take it all and it will be in your house while you sit at home. Keep running up the score and shooting your mouth off Saints, that bad Karma is going to get you a Falcons Superbowl win in the Big Sleasy.