Sean Payton staying with Saints, 49ers continue coaching search

THE search will continue for Jarryd Hayne’s new coach in San Francisco after one of the top candidates took himself out of the running.

Former NRL player Jarryd Hayne speaks to the media on his arrival at Sydney International Airport, in Sydney, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016. Hayne has completed a season with the San Francisco 49ers American NFL team, after quitting rugby league and signing a contract to play in the NFL last year. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts) NO ARCHIVING

A SEAN Payton-San Francisco 49ers union won’t be happening.

The man seen as the best fit to take over Jarryd Hayne’s embattled NFL team took himself out of the running on Thursday morning (AEDT), telling reporters at a press conference in New Orleans he is staying with the Saints.

“I don’t envision myself ever coaching for any other clubs,” Payton said.

“I know it appeared there was a looming decision, but I think this is really me saying again ... here I am and nothing’s changing and I plan on finishing my career here ... I’ll be here as long as they’ll have me.”

Payton began his first and only NFL head coaching job with the Saints in 2006, the season after the team had been displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

Since then, he has gone 87-57 in the regular season with five playoff appearances and one Super Bowl title in the 2009 season.

CSNBayArea.com’s Matt Maiocco reported the 49ers were interested in trading for Payton’s services, who was under contract in New Orleans.

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton.

It leaves Cincinnati Bengals offensive co-ordinator Hue Jackson and recently sacked Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly as the leading candidates, according to Bay Area News Group reporter Cam Inman.

Jackson, who led Oakland to an 8-8 record in 2011 in his only season as an NFL head coach, is scheduled for an interview this weekend, according to the NFL Network.

Kelly was described as a good fit by veteran Sports Illustrated writer Peter King because he could bring instant offence to a 49ers outfit which struggled greatly on that side of the ball this season.

“What makes a lot of sense to me is San Francisco (for Kelly),” King said during an appearance on “The Herd”. “First of all, San Francisco has to do something big ... They have to do something to put a real mark on this program.”

Others in the mix include former 49ers offensive co-ordinator and dual Super Bowl winner with the Denver Broncos, Mike Shanahan, and respective Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots offensive co-ordinators Todd Haley and Josh McDaniels.

Buffalo Bills assistant head coach Anthony Lynn is also scheduled for an interview this week.

Originally published as Sean Payton staying with Saints, 49ers continue coaching search