Reaction to Sean Payton’s departure ranges from shock to resignation

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The news that Sean Payton would be stepping down after 16 years as the Saints’ head coach generated a range of reactions from around the sports world. Here’s what many sports figures and fans had to say:

Sean Payton was wrestling with stepping away for a year or two or retirement months. Told Mrs B couple of weeks ago & she asked him to take some time off and think about it. He’s gone up and down about it for a while too but the theme I got more than not is that he needs a break
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) January 25, 2022

Thanks for taking a chance on me @SeanPayton #WalkTogetherForever
— Thomas Morstead (@thomasmorstead) January 25, 2022

Didn Netflix just make a movie bout our saints Hc yr off? Sheesh thought that was a one time deal.. right
— cameron jordan (@camjordan94) January 25, 2022

Well damn!
— Kwon Alexander (@kwon) January 25, 2022

pic.twitter.com/WOgjFKbxBQ
— Ceedy Duce. (@CGJXXIII) January 25, 2022

Can’t believe the last memory I might get of Sean Payton coaching the Saints could be through the Kevin James portrayal on Netflix
— payton (@paytonebow) January 25, 2022

What a fitting way for Sean Payton to go out beating the hell out of the Atlanta Falcons in his final game.
— Mintzy (@BarstoolMintzy) January 25, 2022

Sean Payton leaves the Saints with some amazing numbers 👏 pic.twitter.com/ZG8wBpk42Z
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) January 25, 2022

The last time Sean Payton was not a part of the Saints organization ⤵️

RB- Deuce McAllister
QB- Aaron Brooks
WR- Joe Horn pic.twitter.com/KKsppIoZnu
— The Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) January 25, 2022

Sean Payton is a LEGEND don’t ever forget that !
— Michael Thomas (@Cantguardmike) January 26, 2022

In his goodbye press conference, Sean Payton took a cue from another great coach, @TedLasso.

He brought 100 king cakes for @Saints owner Gayle Benson and the New Orleans media. 💛

Watch his presser now on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/nHXxTh3r6t
— NFL (@NFL) January 25, 2022

Gonna miss you, @SeanPayton. pic.twitter.com/e4vFQ7Bif3
— Bub’s Nola (@BubsNola) January 25, 2022

. @SeanPayton congratulations on an awesome career! Been an honor playing for you and against you over the years. A true legend of the game. Happy that you get to leave on your own terms ! 👏🏾👏🏾 well done
— Malcolm Jenkins (@MalcolmJenkins) January 26, 2022

RAW VIDEO: Pelicans head coach Willie Green shares comments on the legacy of Sean Payton in New Orleans ahead of tonight's game in Philadelphia pic.twitter.com/9tV2sPlXfF
— FOX 8 New Orleans (@FOX8NOLA) January 25, 2022

Appreciate this man more than I can express, @SeanPayton wish you well on everything you do going forward! https://t.co/FUjgR9MJqu
— DemarioDavis.eth (@demario__davis) January 26, 2022

Sometimes talent and ability just needs an opportunity to prove itself. @SeanPayton I’m forever grateful for that opportunity.

The impact of your vision and leadership reaches beyond wins and losses- it helped create a culture that’s unmatched.

Enjoy the other side! Congrats. pic.twitter.com/ny5idIsuqi
— Marques Colston (@MarquesColston) January 26, 2022

coach payton - thank you for the most amazing run... it was an honor to support you during your tenure as head coach - i will forever cherish the time we had with you... we love you, coach payton!!! @Saints @nfl #nfl #seanpayton pic.twitter.com/U4xHHLjLhE
— Harry Connick Jr (@HarryConnickJR) January 25, 2022

@SeanPayton @Saints
I met coach 15 years ago. He thought I was an equipment manager...

Now I consider him my brother. pic.twitter.com/luIjReGKjR
— Steve Gleason - "Live Impossible" (@SteveGleason) January 26, 2022

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