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The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport tweeted Tuesday that Sean Payton will be stepping down as head coach of the New Orleans Saints.
The news comes after days of speculation that Payton was considering leaving the Saints after a tough 2021 season where the team battled impacts from Hurricane Ida, quarterback injuries and COVID outbreaks.
On Monday, team owner Gayle Benson told reporters she wasn't sure about Payton's future with the team, even though he had three years remaining on his contract.
Payton joined the Saints in 2006 and led the team to its first Super Bowl win in 2009.
WVUE-TV/Fox 8 in New Orleans says the Saints have scheduled a 3 p.m. press conference.