Panthers can talk to Payton
The Panthers have received permission from the Saints to interview Sean Payton for their vacant head coaching position, according to a person familiar with the situation.
The Panthers have also requested permission to speak to Eagles defensive consultant Vic Fangio, Jets safeties coach Marquand Manuel and Saints defensive backs coach Kris Richard for their defensive coordinator position.
Steve Wilks was the Panthers interim head coach this season and Al Holcomb the interim defensive coordinator.
The 59-year-old Payton is expected to be a hot commodity among NFL teams searching for stability.
He could be particularly pricey for Panthers owner David Tepper to land given the Panthers are in the same division as the Saints and face them twice a season. New Orleans would likely receive significant draft-pick compensation before agreeing to allow Payton to join the Panthers.
BROWNS INTERVIEW SEATTLE’S DESAI FOR DC
The Browns began the second week of their search for a new defensive coordinator by interviewing their fourth candidate, Seattle associate head coach Sean Desai.
The 39-year-old Desai visited the Browns’ training facility on Monday, two days after the Seahawks were eliminated from the playoffs.
Desai has been with the Seahawks for one season after serving as Chicago’s defensive coordinator in 2021. He spent nine seasons with the Bears after pursuing a career in academic administration.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski followed up a disappointing season by firing coordinator Joe Woods, who failed to get his unit to play consistently in 2022. Woods was with Cleveland for three seasons.
The Browns already have met with former Lions coach and Titans senior adviser Jim Schwartz, Steelers defensive assistant Brian Flores and Eagles passing game coordinator Dennard Wilson.
Flores, who was hired in Pittsburgh by Mike Tomlin after his controversial firing in Miami, has drawn head coaching interest elsewhere.
Only Desai and Schwartz have experience as coordinators among the four candidates.