"Patrick Sean Payton is a highly accomplished American football coach and former player. He is currently the head coach for the Denver Broncos. Payton gained recognition for his successful tenure as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints from 2006 to 2021, during which he led the team to their first Super Bowl victory in 2009. Before his coaching career, Payton briefly played professional football as a quarterback, including stints with the Chicago Bears and the Leicester Panthers."
December 29, 1963: Birth of Sean Payton
Sean Payton was born on December 29, 1963.
1970: Sean Payton's Family Moves to Pennsylvania
Sean Payton's family moved to Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, where he spent his grade school and middle school years from 1970 to 1978.
1978: End of Payton's Time in Pennsylvania
Sean Payton's time living in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, concluded in 1978.
1982: Sean Payton Graduates High School
Sean Payton graduated from Naperville Central High School in Illinois in 1982, where he played quarterback in his senior year.
1986: Successful College Football Season for Payton
Sean Payton, playing quarterback for Eastern Illinois University, led the Panthers to a strong 11-2 record and a spot in the Division I-AA Playoffs quarterfinals in 1986.
1987: Sean Payton's Brief NFL Playing Career
Sean Payton played professional football briefly in 1987, including a stint with the Chicago Bears during the NFL players' strike.
1988: Playing for the Leicester Panthers
Sean Payton played for the Leicester Panthers in the UK Budweiser National League in 1988.
1997: Birth of Daughter, Meghan
Sean Payton and his wife Beth Shuey, whom he met while coaching at Indiana State University, welcomed their daughter Meghan in 1997.
2000: Bill Belichick Begins Coaching Patriots
Bill Belichick started his long tenure as the head coach of the New England Patriots in 2000.
2000: Birth of Son, Connor
Sean and Beth Payton had their second child, a son named Connor, in 2000.
September 11, 2001: Giants' Flight Lands Near Flight 93
On September 11, 2001, the New York Giants' flight returning from Denver landed at Newark Liberty International Airport just moments before the arrival of United Airlines Flight 93, which was hijacked and tragically crashed in Pennsylvania.
2002: Jim Fassel Takes Over Play-Calling
During the 2002 season, New York Giants head coach Jim Fassel took over play-calling duties from offensive coordinator Sean Payton after the team's offense struggled.
2005: New Orleans Saints Struggles
In 2005, the New Orleans Saints faced significant challenges following Hurricane Katrina, concluding the season with a 3-13 record, making them the second-worst team in the league.
2005: New Orleans Saints Struggle in 2005 Season
The New Orleans Saints had a disappointing 2005 season, finishing with a 3-13 record.
2006: First Head Coaching Assignment with the New Orleans Saints
Sean Payton began his tenure as head coach of the New Orleans Saints in 2006. He led the team to their first playoff appearance in six years, following a difficult season in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The Saints, with quarterback Drew Brees, had a strong offensive showing, ranking first in passing and fifth in points scored. They secured the NFC South title with a 10-6 record and achieved their second-ever playoff win, ultimately advancing to the NFC Championship game against the Chicago Bears.
2006: Sean Payton Becomes Head Coach of the New Orleans Saints
Sean Payton was named the tenth full-time head coach of the New Orleans Saints in 2006.
January 2007: AP NFL Coach of the Year Award
In January 2007, Sean Payton received the AP NFL Coach of the Year Award, securing 44 out of 50 votes. This award recognized his success in turning around the New Orleans Saints after a challenging previous season.
August 5, 2007: Hall of Fame Game
On August 5, 2007, the New Orleans Saints, under the leadership of Sean Payton, opened the NFL preseason against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Hall of Fame Game. The Saints went on to have a 3-2 record for the preseason and opened the regular season against the defending champion Indianapolis Colts.
2009: Bounty Program Implementation
According to an NFL investigation, a bounty program, where players were rewarded for deliberately injuring opponents, was implemented by the New Orleans Saints from 2009. The program, deemed to have been in operation until 2011, raised serious concerns about player safety and sportsmanship within the league. Sean Payton's involvement in the program would lead to significant consequences for the coach and the team.
2009: Super Bowl XLIV Victory
The New Orleans Saints, led by Sean Payton, achieved their most successful season in 2009, boasting a 13-3 record. Their winning streak continued into the playoffs, ultimately securing victory in Super Bowl XLIV against the Indianapolis Colts. A pivotal moment in the game came when Tracy Porter intercepted a pass from Peyton Manning and returned it for a touchdown, contributing to the Saints' 31-17 win. This victory marked the Saints' first Super Bowl title.
2009: New Orleans Saints Win Super Bowl XLIV
The New Orleans Saints, under the leadership of Sean Payton, won their first Super Bowl championship in franchise history in 2009.
June 2010: Publication of "Home Team: Coaching the Saints and New Orleans Back to Life"
In June 2010, Sean Payton, in collaboration with journalist Ellis Henican, released his book "Home Team: Coaching the Saints and New Orleans Back to Life." The book, which debuted at number 8 on The New York Times non-fiction bestseller list, delves into Payton's experiences coaching the Saints, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Payton aimed to create a narrative that went beyond typical sports stories, focusing on personal anecdotes and insights.
September 2011: Agreement on Contract Extension
In September 2011, Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints reached an agreement to extend Payton's contract. This extension, intended to secure Payton's position with the team, would later become a point of contention with the NFL due to a clause that violated league rules.
October 16, 2011: Sideline Injury
On October 16, 2011, during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sean Payton sustained a tibia fracture and MCL tear after colliding with tight end Jimmy Graham's helmet. The incident occurred on the sideline as Graham was being tackled. Payton continued to coach from the booth throughout his rehabilitation.
2011: Payton Family Moves to Dallas
Amidst rumors of Sean Payton returning to the Cowboys, the Payton family relocated to the Vacquero Club in Westlake, Texas in 2011. Sean Payton maintained a residence in New Orleans during the football season.
2011: Bounty Scandal Email Surfaces
An email from 2011 revealed a plan to offer money to injure Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a plan that Sean Payton was later found to have been aware of.
2011: NFL Reopens Bounty Program Investigation
In late 2011, the NFL reopened its investigation into the New Orleans Saints' alleged bounty program, discovering compelling evidence that supported the claims. Saints owner Tom Benson was alerted to the findings prior to the team's playoff game against the Detroit Lions. Despite being informed that the league had resumed its investigation, Sean Payton did not take action to stop the alleged program, a decision that would factor into the NFL's disciplinary actions.
2011: Bounty Program Operation and Investigation
The New Orleans Saints' alleged bounty program, which rewarded players for targeting and injuring opposing players, continued to operate until 2011. The NFL conducted an extensive investigation into these allegations, uncovering evidence that implicated several members of the Saints' coaching staff, including Sean Payton.
March 2, 2012: NFL Bounty Scandal Investigation Concludes
On March 2, 2012, the NFL concluded an investigation into allegations of a bounty program operated by the New Orleans Saints between 2009 and 2011. The investigation found that the Saints had a system in place that rewarded players for intentionally injuring opposing players. The program was primarily managed by defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. The league's findings implicated Sean Payton, suggesting his involvement in both the program and a subsequent cover-up attempt when the NFL initially looked into the matter during the 2009-10 offseason.
March 22, 2012: Suspension for Entire 2012 Season
On March 22, 2012, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell handed down a season-long suspension to Sean Payton for his role in the New Orleans Saints' bounty scandal. Effective April 1, the suspension marked the first instance in modern NFL history of a head coach being suspended for any reason. Goodell's decision was influenced by Payton's attempts to conceal the program and his failure to take responsibility for the actions of his coaching staff. The suspension barred Payton from all contact with the NFL until the conclusion of Super Bowl XLVII, which, coincidentally, was set to be held in New Orleans. The commissioner cited Payton's lack of transparency and his failure to uphold the integrity of the game as key factors in the decision.
March 30, 2012: Appeal of Suspension
On March 30, 2012, Sean Payton formally appealed his season-long suspension, seeking to overturn the NFL's decision. While NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expedited the hearing process, ultimately, Payton's appeal was denied on April 9. As a result, Payton's suspension commenced on April 16, and he was required to forfeit a significant portion of his salary. The suspension barred him from any contact with the NFL, underscoring the severity of his actions in relation to the bounty program.
April 2012: Sean Payton Suspended for Bounty Scandal
Sean Payton was suspended for the entire 2012 NFL season in April 2012 due to his involvement in the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal, where players were allegedly rewarded for injuring opponents.
June 2012: Payton's Divorce
Sean Payton and his wife, Beth, filed for divorce in June 2012.
November 4, 2012: Contract Extension Disallowed by NFL
The NFL revealed on November 4, 2012, that it had voided a contract extension between Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints, originally agreed upon in September 2011. The extension would have extended Payton's tenure through 2015. The league's decision stemmed from a clause in the contract that would have permitted Payton to leave the Saints if general manager Mickey Loomis was no longer with the team. This stipulation violated NFL rules, leading to the nullification of the extension. As a result, Payton's future with the Saints beyond the 2012 season was uncertain, despite his stated intention to return to the team.
2012: Discussions with Bill Parcells for Interim Coaching Position
Following his suspension, Sean Payton initiated discussions with his mentor, Bill Parcells, regarding the possibility of Parcells assuming the role of interim coach for the New Orleans Saints during the 2012 season.
2012: Offensive Coordinator for Son's Team
During his 2012 suspension from the NFL, Sean Payton served as the offensive coordinator for his son's sixth-grade football team in Argyle, Texas.
January 2013: Sean Payton Reinstated as Saints Coach
Following his suspension, Sean Payton was reinstated as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints in January 2013.
January 22, 2013: Reinstatement by Roger Goodell
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reinstated Sean Payton on January 22, 2013, marking the end of his season-long suspension. Payton's return to the league followed his completion of the disciplinary measures imposed for his role in the New Orleans Saints' bounty scandal.
2013: New Multi-Year Contract with the Saints
In 2013, Sean Payton agreed to a new multi-year contract extension as head coach of the New Orleans Saints.
2013: Winning Season and Playoff Run
The Saints had their first winning season since 2013 in 2017, finishing with an 11-5 record and making it to the divisional round of the playoffs.
2014: Move to Uptown New Orleans
Following his suspension and divorce, Sean Payton moved from the New Orleans suburbs to a condo in Uptown New Orleans in 2014.
2015: 10th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina
In 2015, to mark the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Sean Payton gifted Rolex watches to the four coaches and four players who had remained with the Saints since he became head coach.
2015: Intended Contract Extension Through 2015
The contract extension agreed upon by Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints in September 2011 was intended to extend Payton's tenure as head coach through the 2015 season. However, the NFL ultimately disallowed the extension due to a clause deemed to be in violation of league rules.
January 6, 2016: Commitment to the Saints
On January 6, 2016, Sean Payton announced his decision to remain with the New Orleans Saints despite interest from other teams.
March 23, 2016: Five-Year Contract Extension
Sean Payton signed a new five-year contract extension as head coach of the Saints on March 23, 2016.
2017: Winning Season and Playoff Run
The Saints had their first winning season since 2013 in 2017, finishing with an 11-5 record and making it to the divisional round of the playoffs.
January 2018: "Hit the Sean Payton" Song Release
New Orleans musician Shamarr Allen released a song titled "Hit the Sean Payton" in January 2018, inspired by a viral video of Payton celebrating a victory over the Carolina Panthers.
2018: Jon Gruden's $100 Million Contract
Jon Gruden signed a 10-year, $100 million contract to return to the Oakland Raiders in 2018, making it only the second $100 million deal signed by an NFL head coach.
2018: Saints Reach NFC Championship Game
The New Orleans Saints, led by Sean Payton, made it to the NFC Championship game in 2018.
2018: NFC Championship and Controversial Loss
The Saints earned the NFC's top seed in 2018 with a 13-3 record. They advanced to the NFC Championship Game but lost to the Los Angeles Rams in a game marked by a controversial missed pass interference call.
September 15, 2019: Five-Year Contract Extension
Sean Payton agreed to a five-year contract extension with the Saints on September 15, 2019.
November 10, 2019: Engagement Announcement
Sean Payton's engagement to his girlfriend, Skylene Montgomery, was announced at the end of the Saints vs. Falcons game on November 10, 2019.
2019: NFL Rule Change
The NFL expanded its instant replay system in 2019, allowing for review of pass interference calls (including non-calls). However, this change was short-lived and did not continue beyond the 2019 season.
2019: Dolphins Fined and Sanctioned
The Miami Dolphins and team owner Stephen M. Ross were fined $1.5 million and forfeited a 2023 first-round draft pick and a 2024 third-round pick on August 2, 2022, due to impermissible contact with Sean Payton and Tom Brady, both of whom are represented by agent Don Yee, between the 2019 and 2021 seasons.
March 19, 2020: Positive COVID-19 Test
On March 19, 2020, Sean Payton became the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the NFL.
September 22, 2020: NFL Fine for Mask Violation
Sean Payton received a $100,000 fine from the NFL on September 22, 2020, for not properly wearing a face mask during a Week 2 game of the 2020 NFL season, as mandated for coaches amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
June 18, 2021: Wedding in Cabo San Lucas
Sean Payton and Skylene Montgomery were married in a private ceremony in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on June 18, 2021. The ceremony was officiated by former NBA player and coach Avery Johnson.
2021: Retirement Announcement
Payton announced his retirement from coaching in January 2022 after the conclusion of the 2021 season.
2021: Retirement From Coaching
Sean Payton announced his decision to step down as head coach of the New Orleans Saints after 16 years, following the 2021 NFL season, a year after longtime quarterback Drew Brees retired.
2021: Sean Payton's Tenure as Saints Head Coach Ends
Sean Payton's time as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints ended in 2021.
January 2022: Retirement Announcement
Payton announced his retirement from coaching in January 2022 after the conclusion of the 2021 season.
February 28, 2022: Miami Dolphins' Interest
It was revealed on February 28, 2022, that the Miami Dolphins had sought permission to interview Payton for their head coaching vacancy, but were reportedly denied after their former coach, Brian Flores, filed a lawsuit against the NFL alleging racial discrimination in hiring.
June 13, 2022: Reported $100 Million Offer from Dolphins
On June 13, 2022, it was reported that the Dolphins had offered Payton a five-year, $100 million contract, which would have made him the highest-paid coach in NFL history.
August 2, 2022: Dolphins Fined and Sanctioned
The Miami Dolphins and team owner Stephen M. Ross were fined $1.5 million and forfeited a 2023 first-round draft pick and a 2024 third-round pick on August 2, 2022, due to impermissible contact with Sean Payton and Tom Brady, both of whom are represented by agent Don Yee, between the 2019 and 2021 seasons.
2022: Joining Fox Sports
After leaving his position as head coach of the Saints, Sean Payton joined Fox in 2022 to work as a studio analyst, contributing to the Fox NFL Sunday panel as a substitute for Jimmy Johnson on his days off.
January 2023: Head Coach Interviews
Payton participated in interviews for head coach positions with the Denver Broncos, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals, and Houston Texans in January 2023.
January 31, 2023: Acceptance of Broncos Head Coach Position
On January 31, 2023, Sean Payton announced he had accepted the head coach position with the Denver Broncos.
2023: Bill Belichick's Time with Patriots Concludes
Bill Belichick's time as head coach of the New England Patriots came to an end in 2023.
2023: Dolphins Fined and Sanctioned
The Miami Dolphins and team owner Stephen M. Ross were fined $1.5 million and forfeited a 2023 first-round draft pick and a 2024 third-round pick on August 2, 2022, due to impermissible contact with Sean Payton and Tom Brady, both of whom are represented by agent Don Yee, between the 2019 and 2021 seasons.
2024: Dolphins Fined and Sanctioned
The Miami Dolphins and team owner Stephen M. Ross were fined $1.5 million and forfeited a 2023 first-round draft pick and a 2024 third-round pick on August 2, 2022, due to impermissible contact with Sean Payton and Tom Brady, both of whom are represented by agent Don Yee, between the 2019 and 2021 seasons.
2024: Trade with Saints
To secure Sean Payton's release from his Saints contract, the Broncos agreed to a trade that included a 2023 first-round pick and a 2024 second-round pick going to New Orleans in exchange for Payton and a 2024 third-round pick.