In Los Angeles, is it the hot seat or the electric chair?
The 5-4 Chargers haven't quite lived up to their preseason hype so far in 2022. Whether that's injuries, inconsistencies or general ineffectiveness, someone has to take the blame.
Of course, that blame customarily falls on the head coach, and Brandon Staley isn't without criticisms in 2022.
Whether that's the inconsistent and predictable offense, the defense that has been ranked at or near the bottom in several major categories or his questionable in-game decision making, Staley hasn't exactly made good to turn around the Chargers' fortunes from a playoff miss in 2021.
MORE: Hot seat check — AFC West coaches under fire for abysmal 2022
Enter Sean Payton?
The former Saints head coach has been pretty upfront in his desire to coach again in the NFL, and a report from earlier in 2022 made it seem as though Payton has his eyes on the Chargers' gig — those rumors have persisted in recent months.
Here's what we know about the Payton-to-the-Chargers rumors:
Sean Payton to the Chargers?
Payton has been pretty upfront with wanting to coach in the NFL again, it's just been unclear about where that may be. Of the teams across the league, three have been linked to Payton: The Dolphins, Cowboys and Chargers.
The Miami Herald reported earlier in 2022 that the Chargers were a job that would interest Payton if the spot were to open up. It's easy to see why: Good front office, stellar young quarterback and a desirable city.
Those rumors persisted into recent months: Jason La Canfora also reported, citing some informed speculation from an executive who worked with Payton in the past, that Payton has his eye on the Chargers gig, thanks to the location and the quarterback:
That’s the job I think Sean really wants. (owner Dean) Spanos doesn’t like to pay his coaches, but once your quarterback starts making $50 million a year, you’re really going to be cheap about your head coach? Sean loves living in Southern California. You’ve got Herbert and some other blue-chip players. That’s the fit.
MORE: Sean Payton and Lamar Jackson team-up? Coach teases a pairing
It's interesting enough that Payton was recently taking in a Chargers game, too:
GG’s charg- wait is that Sean Payton at the Chargers game? Brandon Staley on the hot seat? 🧐 pic.twitter.com/s88TefSuoK
— MAYZ (@Mayzomatic) October 18, 2022
Why Sean Payton to the Chargers makes sense
There are a few reasons why a marriage between Payton and the Chargers makes sense:
— The most important is the ticking clock on Justin Herbert: While he's young and a dominant quarterback already, team's desires to win championships while on a rookie QB deal means that Herbert and the Chargers will have to start winning and fast. They missed the playoffs in 2021 and are on the bubble this year, midway through the season.
— Payton stresses that there's no "utopia" in coaching, but that a front office can alleviate
"The most important element is functional ownership (and) front office," he said on a podcast recently. "There's a handful of teams that aren't, and those teams, regardless of what takes place, they can win on Sunday, but they have trouble winning long term."
— Payton is currently renting a home in Southern California, close to the Fox studio that he works at. Hey, property matters.
