SEAN PAYTON

The New Orleans Saints have been relatively small players in free agency this offseason. “As an overall philosophy,” first-year head coach Dennis Allen said, “I’d rather augment our team through free agency and really build our team through the draft.” The Saints have made modest signings in free agency since Allen was promoted from defensive coordinator to replace long-time head coach Sean Payton in January.

ESPN is near the goal line of landing a top-tier talent to join the “Monday Night Football” booth.

Newly named New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen asserts that he’s “at peace” with being constantly measured against the person he’s replacing.

Two people familiar with the decision say the New Orleans Saints have promoted defensive coordinator Dennis Allen to head coach.

Ole Miss football coach Lane Kiffin is a cut above the rest of college football coaches on Twitter.

New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton, whose 16-year tenure with the club included its only Super Bowl championship and also a one-season suspension stemming from the NFL’s bounty investigation, is leaving coaching.

Before the Saints hired Payton on Jan. 18, 2006, they had little football history of which to be proud. He helped turn that around. What do you think about his decision?

This week’s new entertainment releases include a new album from the legendary group The Temptations, the latest addition to the animated “Ice Age” franchise and a new series on HBO by “Downton Abbey” creator Julian Fellowes called “The Gilded Age” and starring Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, Cynthia Nixon and Christine Baranski.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Ian Book says that because of the unpredictability of COVID-19, he and fellow reserve QB Trevor Siemian adopted the motto: “Stay ready.” Now, because of a COVID-19 outbreak infecting at least 15 Saints players and several coaches, Book is on the brink of seeing how ready he really is. The rookie out of Notre Dame took snaps at practice Friday as New Orleans' No. 1 QB and is slated to make his NFL regular-season debut as a starter against the Miami Dolphins in the Superdome on Monday night.

New Orleans’ defense gave Tom Brady fits again, shutting down Tampa Bay’s high-powered offense as the Saints put the Buccaneers’ division title celebration plans on hold with a 9-0 victory over the reigning Super Bowl champions.

The Las Vegas, Cleveland, Seattle, Los Angeles, Washington and Philadelphia teams were all affected.

The NFL has moved three games because of COVID-19 outbreaks: Las Vegas at Cleveland from Saturday to Monday; and Seattle at the Los Angeles Rams and Washington at Philadelphia from Sunday to Tuesday.

When Saints coach Sean Payton was asked about his team's inability to convert any of the five 2-point tries attempted this season, his response spoke to a more overarching issue for New Orleans' offense. "If you’re a pretty good offensive team, it’s probably not a problem," Payton said. “If you’re not a good offensive team, which is what I would say that’s where we are at right now, it probably is a problem.”

NFL punters have been fading further from view as the go-for-it trend on fourth down continues to spread.

Matt Ryan hit Cordarrelle Patterson for a 64-yard gain with a minute to go, setting up Younghoe Koo’s 29-yard field goal as time expired, and the Atlanta Falcons defeated the mistake-prone New Orleans Saints 27-25.

New Orleans Saints two-time All-Pro receiver Michael Thomas says he won’t play this season because of complications related to ankle surgery last summer.

Jameis Winston and Sam Darnold got hurt running the ball and kicker Chris Boswell was injured throwing it.

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After Jameis Winston connected with Marquez Callaway on a Hail Mary touchdown on the final play of the first half, Sean Payton recalled a similar play in his first season as New Orleans Saints coach. Fifteen years ago, his team's Hail Mary in Atlanta overshadowed a halftime performance by country music duo Sugarland. Payton on Sunday thought to himself: “If there was any halftime entertainment, that’s a tough spot to be in.”

The New Orleans Saints will have eight coaches unable to attend Sunday’s road game against the Panthers because of positive COVID-19 tests.

New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton says the club has decided to continue practicing at TCU next week in preparation for their Week 3 game at New England before returning to their New Orleans-area headquarters in Week 4.

Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on top of the first AP Pro32 poll of the season.

Two people familiar with the situation say six unidentified members of the New Orleans Saints coaching staff, one player and another employee have tested positive for COVID-19.

New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton says the team is investigating the possibility of remaining in the Dallas area for up to a month and opening its regular season against Green Bay in the Cowboys’ home stadium.

The New Orleans Saints are at the home of another NFL team after being displaced by Hurricane Ida.

A person familiar with the decision says the Saints have selected Jameis Winston to succeed Drew Brees as starting quarterback for their regular season opener against Green Bay on Sept. 12.

The Saints don’t want the NFL’s renewed emphasis on punishing unsportsmanlike behavior to squelch C.

Saints veteran cornerback Patrick Robinson is retiring despite being a candidate for a starting job.

Jameis Winston says making better decisions with the football doesn't mean adopting a mentality that favors short throws.

History dictates that it’s likely at least a couple of the five first-round quarterbacks won’t fulfill the hopes of the teams that drafted them.

Patrick Surtain II and Mac Jones had the spotlight at Alabama's Pro Day, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)DeVonta Smith was there for quarterback Mac Jones once again, this time it was at Alabama's latest pro day. “He didn't have to do that,” Jones told the SEC Network, which aired the pro day. '”Jones showcased his arm strength a week after participating in the Crimson Tide's first pro day. “Mac was just on me like, ‘Bro, come catch, come catch, come catch,’” Smith told the network.

(AP Photo/Jason Behnken, File)NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Saints are bringing back quarterback Jameis Winston on a one-year contract. Brady led the Buccaneers to the franchise's second Super Bowl victory while Winston served as a backup for the NFC South Division champion Saints. Winston played only sparingly in his first season in New Orleans, even when Brees missed four games with rib and lung injuries. In all, Winston appeared in four regular season games for New Orleans, completing 7-of-11 passes for 75 yards. “One thing I’m really excited to learn — the most exciting thing — the way this quarterback room functions,” Winston said last April.

It marked the second straight season Brees had to miss part of a season with an injury after missing just one game because of injury in the previous 13. Saints coach Sean Payton said Brees had plenty of other injuries or ailments during his Saints tenure, but willed himself to play through them whenever possible. AdThe storm had forced the Saints to play all of their 2005 games outside New Orleans, and the Saints finished that season 3-13. That would be the first of nine seasons in which Brees led the Saints to the playoffs. Indeed, the hallmarks of Brees’ career have been his decision-making, timing and accuracy.

“My coaches were on board, they all did a great job with the spot, with the calls, everything — they were spot-on. It was a great job.”That play is part of a pick-6 of great jobs — and great flops — with gutsy calls. PHILLY SPECIALThe Eagles led New England by three points approaching halftime in the Super Bowl for the 2017 season. Philadelphia went on to win its first Super Bowl. The Packers then won their second Super Bowl.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) reacts after a touchdown by Alvin Kamara in the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Chicago Bears in New Orleans, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)NEW ORLEANS – Drew Brees periodically discusses his long, extraordinary NFL journey in terms of fate and destiny. “Other than that, there’s not a lot of bad about” the Saints, Brady said. I think the quarterback-receiver relationship is really important.”Still, no defense has had more success against Brady this season than the Saints. The Saints gained 2,265 yards rushing during the regular season and added another 123 yards in their playoff opener against Chicago's formidable front.

The National Football League came out the gate swinging for its playoff openers, led by ViacomCBS Sports and Nickelodeon's simulcast, which attracted more than 30 million viewers combined. Sunday's CBS airing between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears attracted roughly 30 million viewers, and its kids' version on Nickelodeon drew approximately 2 million, becoming the Nickelodeon's "most-watched program among total viewers in nearly four years," the network said. The NFL's attempt to solicit younger viewers drew praise for its Nickelodeon-themed digital effects and commentary on social media. The game saw the Saints beat the Bears, 21-9, and even featured Saints coach Sean Payton getting slimed on Nickelodeon in the postgame. Sunday's NBC Sports Pittsburgh Steelers-Cleveland Browns contest also averaged 26 million across all platforms and 24.8 million viewers on NBC and peaked at 27.6 million viewers around 9:15-9:30 p.m.

Let’s start with:PAYTON’S PLANOn Christmas night, Saints running back Alvin Kamara tied a 91-year-old NFL record by rushing for six touchdowns in a 52-33 wipeout of the Minnesota Vikings. “I was thinking about our best play there,” Payton explained afterward. Payton wasn’t talking about Nevers’ record six TD runs. “A lot of these players — I’d say most of these players — have no idea how good Gale Sayers was,” said Payton. “It was a great moment.”Brees said Payton mentioned Sayers’ mark before the Saints’ last touchdown drive.

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) breaks free past Minnesota Vikings cornerback Cameron Dantzler (27), outside linebacker Eric Wilson (50) and defensive end D.J. He finished with a career-high 155 yards rushing to help New Orleans beat the Minnesota Vikings 52-33 on Friday and clinch a fourth straight NFC South title. He has since set Saints records for rushing TDs in a season with 16 and total TDs with 21 (he has five receiving). It would be 8-yard gain, 7-yard gain.”The Saints (11-4) never punted, and set a record of yards gained in a game by a Vikings opponent with 583. New Orleans' 264 yards rushing were the most by a Vikings opponent in Zimmer's seven seasons.

FILE - In this Sept. 21, 2020 file photo, New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton, right, speak with quarterback Drew Brees (9) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken, File)NEW ORLEANS – Saints record-setting quarterback Drew Brees “looked good” in his first practices since returning from rib fractures and a punctured lung, and is slated to start against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, coach Sean Payton said. Even before Brees' injury, Hill would intermittently take snaps under center to provide New Orleans' with a change-of-pace, read-option QB. Payton said Brees would be wearing a protective vest over his torso, but the coach dismissed the idea that the Saints were rushing the 41-year-old QB back from injury. “We wouldn’t be playing him if he wasn’t healthy and able to function and feeling good and recovered,” Payton said.

We reviewed data at last week's League meeting that demonstrated the substantial reductions in close contacts achieved by clubs operating under the Intensive Protocols. These sustained reductions and the resulting health and safety benefits make it appropriate to implement the Intensive Protocols on a mandatory, league-wide basis. To date, 28 clubs have utilized the Intensive Protocols at least once and 16 clubs have done so multiple times. The full Intensive Protocols accompany this memo. Clubs should use the next several days to prepare for a shift to the Intensive Protocols.

(AP Photo/Butch Dill)NEW ORLEANS – Drew Brees has been diagnosed with multiple rib fractures and a collapsed right lung, a person with knowledge of the situation said Monday. Brees' injuries, which were first reported by ESPN, are expected to sideline the quarterback for multiple weeks. Saints coach Sean Payton said Monday he would not comment on any injuries before the first required injury report of this week on Wednesday. Street got a clean shot on Brees, de-cleated the quarterback and came down hard on the right side of Brees' torso. “In my humble opinion, saw really one flagrant hit worthy of personal foul and that was the hit on Tre'Quan,” Payton said.

The Bears’ Cairo Santos made a 51-yard field goal at the end of regulation to force the extra period. He came through with his fourth field goal on a windy day, sending the Bears (5-3) to their second straight loss. “My gut, we’re on the field and I feel like we can kick a field goal at that distance without risking any ball-security issues,” Payton said. Marshon Lattimore then intercepted Nick Foles, leading to a tiebreaking field goal by Lutz. After the Saints went three-and-out, Chicago tied it with 13 seconds left on Santos’ field goal into the wind.

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden celebrates after defeating the New Orleans Saints in an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 21, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)The NFL is threatening teams with possible suspensions for sideline personnel, including coaches, who do not properly wear face coverings during the pandemic. In a memo obtained by The Associated Press, Troy Vincent, who oversees NFL football operations, told the 32 teams Wednesday that “accountability” is required on the sidelines. “We will continue to address lack of compliance with accountability measures that may also include suspensions of persons involved, and/or the forfeiture of a draft choice(s),” Vincent wrote. “As you know, the game-day protocols agreed to with the NFLPA require that coaches and other non-player personnel wear appropriate face coverings at all times on the field and in the coaches’ booths.

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden celebrates after defeating the New Orleans Saints in an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 21, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)LAS VEGAS – Two more NFL head coaches and their teams have been fined for not wearing masks on the sideline. A person with knowledge of the punishment said Tuesday that Jon Gruden of the Raiders and Sean Payton of the Saints were each fined $100,000 for not wearing masks on the sideline on Monday night. The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the league wasn’t announcing specific fines, said the teams were also fined $250,000 for the infractions. NFL Network and ESPN first reported the fines for Gruden and Payton.

(AP Photo/Don Wright)NFL coaches thumbed their collective — and exposed — noses at the NFL’s mask mandate in Week 2. More coaches and clubs can expect similar punishments as the memo last week from Troy Vincent, who oversees the league’s football operations, was largely ignored throughout the weekend. Players, who, like the coaches, are subject to daily COVID-19 tests, are exempt from the face covering requirements. Some coaches such as Belichick, McDaniels and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin wore their masks or gaiters over their mouths but not noses. Others such as Carroll, Spagnuolo and Fangio wore their face coverings around their chins or necks, exposing both their mouths and noses.

(AP Photo/Don Wright)A person with knowledge of the punishment tells The Associated Press that at least three NFL head coaches have been fined $100,000 for violating the league’s rules that they wear face coverings on the sideline. More fines could be coming as several other coaches violated the league's rules requiring coaches to wear coverings over their mouths and noses at all times. Gruden wore his face mask like a chin strap and Payton wore his gaiter like a turtleneck. If the fines, which were earlier reported by ESPN and NFL Network, prove ineffective, the league could hand out stronger discipline. ___Follow Arnie Melendrez Stapleton on Twitter: http://twitter.com/arniestapleton___More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL

FILE - In this May 22, 2019, file photo, Troy Vincent, NFL executive vice president, speaks to the media during the owners meetings in Key Biscayne, Fla. The NFL will consult an advisory committee made up of former coaches, general managers and players on such issues as postponing, moving or even canceling games this season due to the coronavirus pandemic. Vincent said Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020 that the advisers, who will report to Commissioner Roger Goodell, will help avoid any inequities in those decisions. Vincent did not identify any members of the panel, saying he was awaiting their approval to do so. Dr. Allen Sills, the league's chief medical officer, noted that setting firm schedules for anything during the pandemic is foolhardy.

PHILADELPHIA Eagles coach Doug Pederson says he feels great and has no symptoms after testing positive for the coronavirus. Im very fortunate.The 52-year-old Pederson enters his fifth season as Philadelphias head coach. I think one of the things Ive learned this offseason is, I can still run the team virtually, Pederson said. The list is for players who either test positive or have been exposed to someone who has. Pederson is the second NFL head coach known to test positive.

NEW ORLEANS Saints coach Sean Payton prefers not to use the term training camp to describe how hes trying to prepare his club for this pandemic-altered NFL season. So, were going to approach it differently, Payton said Wednesday, noting that one big change would be more scrimmaging and other live scenarios during practices. You have to, at some point, play football if youre getting ready to play a football game.The Saints have a history of finding undrafted rookie free agents who become regular contributors. The Saints went 13-3 that season and set an NFL record for offensive yards in a season with 7,474. Players wont be in pads until Aug. 17, Payton said, but added, well be in full pads every day that were allowed.

Tom Brady delivered the shot of the match that made it easy to forget the rest of his swings. Tiger Woods didn't miss a fairway and earned a small measure of revenge against Phil Mickelson. In the second and final charity match that brought live golf to TV, this exhibition was as entertaining as the real thing. Woods lagged a long birdie putt close enough that his partner, Peyton Manning, didn't have to putt. Woods shot 75 that day.

Yuri Gripas | Bloomberg | Getty ImagesA member of Vice President Mike Pence's office tested positive for the new coronavirus COVID-19, according to Katie Miller, the vice president's press secretary. Niccol's comments come as the food industry across the U.S. experiences upheaval due to the coronavirus pandemic. Reuters3:18 pm: Banks offer helpTens of thousands of Americans are facing unemployment as the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect daily life for cities and towns across the U.S. That includes, but won't be limited to, helping push forward a more accurate, faster coronavirus COVID-19 test. Temilade Adelaja | ReutersCoca-Cola on Friday said that it does not expect to meet its outlook for 2020 due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Head coach Jason Garrett of the Dallas Cowboys looks down after a ruling against them during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 22, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Dallas Cowboys will not retain head coach Jason Garrett after 10 seasons, according to Jerry Jones, the owner and general manager of the Cowboys. "We are extremely grateful to Jason Garrett for his more than 20 years of service to the Dallas Cowboys as a player, assistant coach and & head coach," Jones said in a statement released late Sunday. The Giants also made a coaching move after the season, firing head coach Pat Shurmur after two seasons. Garrett would finish his tenure as the Cowboys coach with an overall record of 85-67 in 152 games, going 2-3 in five postseason contests.

Head coach Jason Garrett of the Dallas Cowboys looks down after a ruling against them during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 22, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Dallas Cowboys will not retain head coach Jason Garrett after 10 seasons, according to Jerry Jones, the owner and general manager of the Cowboys. "We are extremely grateful to Jason Garrett for his more than 20 years of service to the Dallas Cowboys as a player, assistant coach and & head coach," Jones said in a statement released late Sunday. The Giants also made a coaching move after the season, firing head coach Pat Shurmur after two seasons. Garrett would finish his tenure as the Cowboys coach with an overall record of 85-67 in 152 games, going 2-3 in five postseason contests.

She's spending the day, or much of it, with her husband Drew at a Los Angeles hospital, where the New Orleans Saints quarterback is having surgery on his injured thumb. Saints head coach Sean Payton said Wednesday morning that the team doesn't plan to put the future Hall of Famer on the injured reserve list. Only two players on the injured reserve list who are designated to return can be brought back during the season, but only after eight weeks. Russell Wilson, the starting quarterback for the Seahawks, tweeted a video at Brees. Brees has been the team's starting quarterback since 2006 and led them to their only Super Bowl title in 2010.