Coach Sean Payton is no longer a possibility for the San Francisco 49ers.
Payton announced on Wednesday that he will remain as the New Orleans Saints’ head coach for a 10th season.
“This is where I plan on coaching, and I don’t envision myself ever coaching for another club,” Payton said.
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Payton was speculated as a possible candidate for the 49ers’ head-coaching vacancy after the club fired Jim Tomsula after one season on Sunday night. The 49ers finished 5-11 in Tomsula’s only season.
“We have a clear understanding of what we want,” 49ers CEO Jed York said on Monday. “We want a leader. We want somebody that has a clear strategic vision. We definitely have a short list.”
[MAIOCCO: York: 49ers need head coach 'who can win Super Bowls']
The NFL Network reported on Tuesday that Payton’s options were remaining with the Saints or moving on to the 49ers. The 49ers were believed to be interested in trading for Payton's services. Payton said at his press conference that he doubts any team would have been willing to pay the price of compensation that Saints general manager Mickey Loomis would have sought in a trade.
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Payton, 52, has compiled a 87-57 regular-season record in nine years with the Saints, including a Super Bowl-winning season of 2009. The Saints have put together back-to-back 7-9 seasons.
The only confirmed candidates for the 49ers’ vacancy with interviews scheduled are Buffalo Bills assistant head coach/running backs Anthony Lynn (Thursday) and Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson (Sunday).