In Search Of Excellence: Sean Payton - The Winning Playbook of an NFL Coach | Episode 128
Host: Randall Kaplan
Guest: Sean Payton
Release Date: September 10, 2024
Introduction
Randall Kaplan opens the episode by introducing Sean Payton, lauding him as one of the most successful head coaches in NFL history. Sean Payton, currently leading the Denver Broncos into his second season, is renowned for steering the New Orleans Saints to their first Super Bowl victory in 2010—a triumph that also earned him the NFL Coach of the Year award. Beyond his on-field successes, Payton is the author of Home Team: Coaching the Saints in New Orleans, sharing his journey of excellence in both professional and personal realms.
Early Life and Family Background
Sean Payton provides a detailed account of his upbringing, highlighting his family's moves across the United States. Born in San Mateo, California, to East Coast parents from Scranton, Pennsylvania, his father's career in the insurance industry necessitated several relocations. By eighth grade, the family settled in Naperville, Illinois, where Payton considers home due to his formative years spent there, including high school and college.
Notable Quote:
“I think when someone asks me where I’m from, it feels like Illinois because I spent all of my high school years there, college years there.”
— Sean Payton [02:36]
Childhood Interests and Influences
Payton reminisces about his childhood, emphasizing his deep involvement in sports. From little league baseball and basketball to football and street hockey influenced by the Philadelphia Flyers' success, sports were integral to his early life. Despite brief forays into music lessons, athletics remained his primary passion, shaping his disciplined and competitive nature.
Additionally, Payton shares charming memories of his father's magic shows, including the upkeep of doves used in performances. These early experiences fostered a sense of creativity and resilience, traits that would later define his coaching philosophy.
Notable Quote:
“When people ask about my doves, I always say, they’re kind of a pet, but they were part of my dad’s magic shows. It was messy but memorable.”
— Sean Payton [03:39]
High School: The Impact of a Great Coach
A pivotal moment in Payton’s high school years was his experience with Coach J.R. Bishop. As the starting quarterback for the sophomore team, Payton excelled athletically but faced academic challenges, receiving a D on an English paper. Coach Bishop’s stern yet supportive response—benching him during a crucial game—served as a turning point. This incident underscored the importance of accountability and dedication, teaching Payton valuable life lessons about balancing academics and athletics.
Payton reflects on the profound influence Coach Bishop had on his development, emphasizing the role of mentors outside the immediate family in fostering personal growth and purpose.
Notable Quote:
“To me, the greatest gift a parent can get from somebody is a counselor, a teacher, a coach that loves their child as much as the parent does.”
— Sean Payton [06:28]
College Career at Eastern Illinois
Choosing Eastern Illinois University, Payton pursued his passion for football, playing quarterback under the guidance of Coach Al Moldy. His college career was marked by impressive statistics, including over 10,000 passing yards and a standout game with 509 yards. The innovative offensive strategies employed by his coaches, particularly the emphasis on the passing game during an era dominated by running offenses, allowed Payton to hone his skills and leadership on the field.
Payton’s time at Eastern Illinois not only solidified his playing abilities but also laid the groundwork for his future in coaching, as he developed a keen understanding of game strategy and team dynamics.
Notable Quote:
“I was lucky to be part of two really smart football guys. We threw a lot of yards, and the team was successful.”
— Sean Payton [11:23]
Transition to Coaching: Early Challenges and Decisions
After college, Payton’s journey toward coaching began amidst attempts to break into professional football. His brief stints with teams like the Ottawa Rough Riders and the Chicago Bears were fraught with uncertainty, leading him to take up painting condos while contemplating his next move. The encouragement from Coach Bishop to pursue coaching became a guiding light, prompting Payton to transition from player to coach.
Determined to follow his mentor’s advice, Payton embarked on his coaching career, starting as a graduate assistant and steadily climbing the ranks through dedication and strategic decision-making.
Notable Quote:
“When I finished college, I knew deep down that I didn't want to leave football. It was a calling.”
— Sean Payton [14:42]
Navigating Interviews and Career Opportunities
Payton recounts his experience interviewing for a graduate assistant position at UNLV, detailing the logistical and emotional challenges involved. The anecdote about traveling from London on a limited budget to secure an interview underscores his commitment and resourcefulness. Despite not securing the position at UNLV, Payton’s persistence led him to an opportunity at San Diego State, showcasing the importance of adaptability in career progression.
A memorable chapter in Payton's early career is his interview with Al Davis of the Oakland Raiders. The unconventional interview experience, highlighted by Davis’s insistence on serving cheeseburgers and coleslaw, left a lasting impression on Payton. This encounter not only demonstrated Davis’s unique leadership style but also reinforced Payton’s resilience and ability to handle high-pressure situations.
Notable Quote:
“Interviewing with Al Davis was like having Happy Meal cheeseburgers with coleslaw. It was unusual, but it taught me a lot about handling the unexpected.”
— Sean Payton [23:55]
Decision-Making and Mentorship
A critical juncture in Payton’s career was the decision to accept a coaching position with Bill Parcells versus the lucrative offer from Al Davis. Despite the allure of working with Davis, Payton chose to remain in Dallas, valuing the mentorship and guidance from Parcells. This decision exemplifies the importance of aligning career choices with personal values and long-term goals, rather than opting for immediate rewards.
Payton emphasizes the lasting impact of mentors and the significance of making informed decisions that resonate with one’s aspirations and ethical standards.
Notable Quote:
“Without the guidance of mentors like Coach Bishop and Bill Parcells, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
— Sean Payton [28:28]
Lessons Learned and Insights
Throughout the interview, Payton shares invaluable lessons gleaned from his experiences:
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The Power of Mentorship: Influential figures like Coach Bishop and Bill Parcells played pivotal roles in shaping his career and personal growth.
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Resilience in the Face of Rejection: Payton’s journey underscores the importance of perseverance, even when initial attempts don’t yield success.
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Adaptability: Navigating unexpected challenges, such as unconventional interviews, prepared him to handle the dynamic nature of the NFL.
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Integrity and Ethical Decision-Making: Choosing to stay true to his values over lucrative offers highlights the significance of maintaining integrity in professional decisions.
Conclusion
Randall Kaplan wraps up the episode by highlighting the profound insights shared by Sean Payton, celebrating his relentless pursuit of excellence and the lessons learned along the way. Payton’s narrative is a testament to the impact of mentorship, resilience, and ethical decision-making in achieving professional and personal success.
Closing Note:
"You're listening to part one of my awesome interview with Sean Payton, one of the best coaches in the history of the NFL and the current head coach of the Denver Broncos. Be sure to tune in next week to part two of my awesome interview with Sean."
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Sean Payton [02:36]: "I think when someone asks me where I’m from, it feels like Illinois because I spent all of my high school years there, college years there."
-
Sean Payton [03:39]: “When people ask about my doves, I always say, they’re kind of a pet, but they were part of my dad’s magic shows. It was messy but memorable.”
-
Sean Payton [06:28]: “To me, the greatest gift a parent can get from somebody is a counselor, a teacher, a coach that loves their child as much as the parent does.”
-
Sean Payton [11:23]: “I was lucky to be part of two really smart football guys. We threw a lot of yards, and the team was successful.”
-
Sean Payton [14:42]: “When I finished college, I knew deep down that I didn't want to leave football. It was a calling.”
-
Sean Payton [23:55]: “Interviewing with Al Davis was like having Happy Meal cheeseburgers with coleslaw. It was unusual, but it taught me a lot about handling the unexpected.”
-
Sean Payton [28:28]: “Without the guidance of mentors like Coach Bishop and Bill Parcells, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Final Thoughts
Sean Payton’s story, as shared in this episode of In Search Of Excellence, offers a compelling look into the making of an NFL legend. From his early days in Illinois to navigating the high-stakes world of professional football coaching, Payton exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, strategic thinking, and unwavering dedication. His journey serves as an inspiration for anyone striving to achieve excellence despite facing challenges and setbacks.
For those seeking to understand the intricacies of leadership and success in sports, Payton’s experiences provide valuable lessons and a blueprint for overcoming obstacles to reach one's goals.
Stay tuned for Part Two of this enlightening conversation with Sean Payton, where Randall Kaplan delves deeper into the strategies and philosophies that define one of the NFL’s most esteemed coaches.