New Orleans Saints leave suspended head coach Sean Payton's seats empty - NFL News
The New Orleans Saints are without head coach, Sean Payton for the entirety of the 2012-13 season as he serves a one year suspension for his role in hiding the existence of the Saints bounty programme from the National Football League (NFL).
Payton was suspended for the season by NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell for allegedly lying to league investigators about the bounty programme as well as doing nothing to stop it completely even when warned.
The suspension of the head coach is a big blow for the team’s chances in the upcoming season although assistant coach, Joe Vitt and the rest of the coaching staff are doing their level best to fill the void.
Vitt has taken over the role as the interim head coach but is not using the head coach’s seat in the team bus, plane and in team meetings in tribute to Payton according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Speaking to reporters in a press conference after taking practice, Vitt said on Monday.
"There was a huge void right from the get-go, it's something we have to get used to."
Adding further he said that Payton has made immense contributions to the franchise since arriving and no one can replace him or his aura.
"How would Pittsburgh react if Chuck Noll was gone? Or how would Dallas react if Tom Landry wasn't there? Or San Francisco without Bill Walsh? Sean's put those kinds of numbers up. He has that kind of recognition in the league. Nobody can take his place.
... We recognize the challenge we are facing."
The Saints are sticking with their head coach even after he was found guilty of hiding the existence of the bounty programme from league investigators.
That sentiment is understandable as Payton has turned around the fortunes of the Saints from perennial underdogs to an elite team. He has also delivered the franchise’s only Super Bowl victory to date and because of that holds a very emotional spot in the
hearts of both fans, coaches and his players.
This year though New Orleans will have to make do without its charismatic head coach and fans will hope that the rest of the coaches can keep the Saints aloft in the upcoming season.
Tags: