NFL: Each team’s greatest head coach in franchise history

New Orleans Saints: Sean Payton (2006-Present)

Another current head coach comes in here, as Sean Payton is hands down the best coach in New Orleans Saints history. The Saints, who were known for the longest time as the ‘Aints, went through some tough times. Despite starting in the NFL in 1967, they didn’t have their first winning season until 1986 when Jim Mora went 12-3 in a strike-shortened season.

That was also just the third time they didn’t have a losing record, as their previous best seasons came in 1979 when Dick Nolan was 8-8 and 1983 when Bum Phillips also finished with an 8-8 mark. To show how bad it was before Mora took over, the best career winning percentage in their history was Phillips’ .391 mark.

Following Mora’s departure in 1996, the Saints once again began to struggle until Sean Payton arrived. A former offensive coordinator, he was able to land quarterback Drew Brees and the two built one of the best offenses in the NFL. Payton is the only coach other than Mora to have a winning record as the Saints head coach.

On top of his ability to win in the regular season, Payton has for the most part got the job done in the playoffs as well. He’s the only head coach in franchise history to guide the Saints to their only Super Bowl appearance and win in their history. Had it not been for a blown call a few years ago, he would have brought them back for a second trip.