BREAKING NEWS: GAYLE BENSON BRINGS BACK THE SAINTS’ LEGENDARY COACH BUT NOT AS HEAD COACH!

The comeback that shook the NFL

New Orleans, November 7, 2025. The NFL world erupted after Saints owner Gayle Benson officially announced that Sean Payton, the legendary former head coach of the New Orleans Saints, is returning to the organization but not as head coach. Instead, he will take on the role of Executive Advisor of Football Operations.

The unexpected move is being called a “soft coup” inside the Saints’ front office, as the team struggles through another disappointing season under interim coach Kellen Moore.

Sources close to the organization confirmed that it was Benson herself who reached out to Payton, hoping to “bring the soul of the franchise back home.”

“Sean is more than just a coach. He is the DNA of the Saints, the man who made this city believe we could win,” Benson said emotionally during a private press conference. “I’ve always believed New Orleans doesn’t just need a football team, we need a symbol, a guiding spirit. And no one embodies that better than Sean Payton.”

The legendary legacy of Sean Payton

Before leaving New Orleans in 2022, Sean Payton had already cemented himself as one of the most iconic figures in franchise history:

• Super Bowl XLIV Champion (2009), the first and only Super Bowl title in Saints history.

Payton is widely regarded as one of the most innovative offensive minds in modern football, known for his creativity, fearlessness, and ability to inspire every player who steps into his locker room.

A new role, a new kind of power

According to Roundtable.io, Sean Payton will oversee all football operations for the Saints, including draft strategy, roster construction, and long-term coaching direction.

Notably, his contract includes a special “executive advisory” clause allowing him to work directly with Gayle Benson in shaping the team’s future.

One senior executive described the move succinctly:

“He’s not coming back to coach. He’s coming back to rebuild the Saints from the ground up.”

What does this mean for Kellen Moore and Tyler Shough

Payton’s return casts immediate doubt on Kellen Moore’s future. While Benson publicly stated that “Moore remains our head coach for now,” insiders believe that major changes are inevitable.

Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, whom Payton has followed closely since his college days, is reportedly one of his top priorities. Sources claim Payton was “deeply impressed” by Shough’s composure in the recent loss to the Rams and plans to take a hands-on approach to his development.

A new era begins in New Orleans

With Sean Payton’s return in an executive role, the message from the Saints organization couldn’t be clearer: “We’re not rebuilding to survive, we’re rebuilding to win.”

The partnership between Gayle Benson’s vision and Sean Payton’s championship pedigree is being hailed as the spark that could reignite a proud franchise.

“I left to learn more about the modern game,” Payton said. “Now I’m back to bring winning football home to New Orleans.”

Those words alone were enough to make the entire city roar in celebration.
A new chapter for the Saints has officially begun.