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Sources: New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton stepping away after 16 years with franchise

METAIRIE, La. -- Sean Payton has decided to step away as the New Orleans Saints' coach after 16 years, a source confirmed to ESPN.

Payton is not necessarily retiring permanently but has decided to take a break after 15 seasons as the Saints' coach, the source said. He totaled 15 seasons as the New Orleans coach because he was suspended in 2012 as a result of the bounty investigation.

It's not immediately clear what Payton plans to do next. Sources have told ESPN that television networks have shown considerable interest in hiring him.