January 1, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton during their game against the Carolina Panthers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

In case you had visions of local boy Sean Payton coming home to Chicago to save the Bears offense in the event that Phil Emery launches Lovie Smith following the season, guess again.  Jay Glazer is reporting that Payton and the Saints have “agreed in principle” to a contract extension.

I’m reporting the Saints and Sean Payton have “agreed in principle” to a new contract extension to remain head coach of the Saints

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) December 29, 2012

Payton sat out the season following the Saints bounty scandal and many thought that with 2012 being the last year of his contract, that he might be finished in New Orleans.  Some folks speculated that he might be heading to Dallas but Bears fans yearned for an offensive mind like Payton’s to take over the Bears.

After signing a reported 5 year deal, Payton will be off the market for some time.  It will be interesting to see what the contract turns out to be, as it will set the standard for new contracts as “black Monday” looms when a bunch of coaching jobs are expected to be open.

Dec 9, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith looks on during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Bears 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Lovie Smith’s seat hasn’t been any hotter than it is right now, so I though it would be worthwhile to take a look at some possible candidates to replace him in the event that Phil Emery decides to launch him.  I’ve broken the list up into four categories: (more…)