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Q&A: Northshore Come-Here Saints: Head Coach Sean Payton

by Stacey Paretti Rase

The most notable new Saint on the northshore is the big cheese himself—head football coach Sean Payton. We caught up with Coach just weeks before he headed to training camp to ask him about his recent move to the northshore and his thoughts about the 2006 team.

What was it that drew you to this side of the lake?

We like the suburban lifestyle. It’s a feel that we’re used to. We’ve lived in areas similar to the northshore, outside of cities like New York City, Dallas, Philadelphia. But, every time we make a move, we are excited by the changes we find. The northshore has a wonderful quality about it.

Do you feel settled in yet?

I do. The transition has been good. My wife, Beth, and our two kids are enjoying it here. Our daughter, Meghan, is starting the fourth grade and our son, Connor, is going into kindergarten this fall. Once we get them squared away with some activities, then I think we’ll really be set.

You have an impressive history in coaching quarterbacks—Drew Bledsoe, Vinny Testaverde and Quincy Carter, to name a few. Tell us what you expect out of Drew Brees this year.

Drew knows how to lead the charge and make good decisions on the field. What we’ve talked most about as a team this year is concentrating on eliminating the small mistakes. Turnovers are so difficult to overcome; we need to correct those.

In what ways have you seen the Saints fan base invigorated by the signing of such high-profile players like Brees and Reggie Bush?

The fans are excited about those guys, and are really excited about this year in general. We, as a new staff, have been received so well. And we realize that at no other time in history will we have the opportunity to have such a positive impact on the New Orleans community. We all feel that responsibility and feel a part of the rebuilding process. I think the fans sense that, too.

Who would you say has had the greatest influence on your coaching method and philosophy?

I’ve been so fortunate. I just had a chance to go back to visit my high school football coach, J.R. Bishop, as he got inducted into the Football Hall of Fame. He got me into football at an early age and made such a difference in my life. Of course, in the NFL for nine years, I’ve had the chance to work with amazing leaders like Bill Parcells, Jim Fassel, Jon Gruden. They helped me decide how I wanted to coach, and I’ve taken what I think are their best qualities and tried to make them my own.

What is your vision for the New Orleans Saints for the 2006-07 season?

I tend to shy away from predictions. That doesn’t do us any good at the outset. But, if we focus on doing all the little things right along the way to get us to our goal, then we should be successful in the end.