49ers 2016 Options to Replace Jim Tomsula and Geep Chryst

Dec 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton on the sidelines in the fourth quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Lions won, 35-27. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Head Coaching Candidate Sean Payton

Sean Payton is the next man on the list for Tomsula replacements. Aside from operating as head coach of the New Orleans Saints since 2006, he also coached on the staff of the Liberty Christian Warriors while serving a league imposed suspension for his role in the Saints’  bounty scandal.

Payton won Super Bowl XLIV with the Saints in 2009 and has overseen an offense that has helped quarterback Drew Brees break passing records nearly every year.

Payton is still coaching for New Orleans and I’m not entirely convinced that he is necessarily gone this year. The Saints defense is one of the worst in the league and, as Louis Riddick recently tweeted, it may not necessarily fall on coaches.

While the team’s performance falls on the shoulders of the head coach, I don’t think this failure is entirely his to burden. Not to mention, as poorly as the 49er defense plays on the road, I’m confident in saying they will improve and are already vastly superior to New Orleans.

If Payton is let go of he will command a hefty salary and there will be plenty of teams lining up for his services. I doubt the 49ers, without a true franchise quarterback and a front office in ruins, would be the choice over other options.

Payton’s name has been a hot topic for 49er fans interested in a new coach but he may be a secondary option that is never even available.

Next: Head Coaching Candidate: The One That Got Away