Saints' Sean Payton Hasn't committed to returning next season

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Could the Sean Payton era in New Orleans be over?

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that sources say the head coach — who has three years left on his contract — has not committed to returning to coach for another season in New Orleans.

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Rapoport said Payton has not yet informed the organization that he will definitely return, and the many attempts by NFL.com to reach the head coach have gone unreturned.

In this Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, file photo, New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton, second from left, watches players warm up before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers in Jacksonville, Fla.  (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)

Rapoport reports that Payton has been on vacation for more than a week and could be using the time to decide if he wants to return or step away for a year but has also gone dark on several people close to him.

"It would be highly unlikely for Payton to coach another team in 2022, sources say," per Rapoport. "Rather, this would be a mini-retirement to recharge for a year after a season several people close to him described as incredibly challenging and difficult."

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This would mark the end of the Payton-era with the Saints and if he did decide to return to coaching, and Rapoport said it’s expected to be with another organization.

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton looks on as players stretch during NFL football practice in Fort Worth, Texas, Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021. (AP Photo/LM Otero) (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Payton was hired as head coach of the New