Can Sean Payton adapt to this 2016 New Orleans Saints team?

After two 7-9 seasons in a row, Sean Payton is now in a very different position.

There will surely be a different identity that Payton will need to find in 2016. Payton has proven that he can win. Payton has brought a championship to New Orleans, that has never been close in the previous 30 years. The Saints have been cellar dwellers since their inception for the most part. As Payton is now in his 50’s, the Saints ironically also turn 50 years old. Adaptability could be the only thing that may keep Payton around long term.

For the most part, expectations are very low this year. Having a low bar would seem to alleviate pressure for the 2016 season. However, If fans were truly honest, eight or nine wins wouldn’t be half bad with all the new faces that are here this year.

The challenge to Payton will likely come from within. In other words — the invincibility that once was, is simply not there anymore. For a long stretch of time the Saints were dominant especially at home. Now, in 2016, the Saints are simply a unique blend of uncertainty with plenty of promise. Nothing is guaranteed though.

Sean Payton has a new challenge. Can he make it through another sub par season without losing his patience? Payton will no doubt hear the rumblings from the media and the barrage of questions every single press conference. The fans will start to turn on him, as his fresh face has now aged with losing. The struggle to remain composed in a volatile environment will be Payton’s biggest hurdle.

The internal struggle of wanting more, versus the acceptance of losing can often be debilitating. Sean Payton is a winner. Sean Payton has the drive to succeed. The question will be can Sean Payton adapt his psyche to fight the inner drive to acceptance of 2016.

The moment will come when reality bites. It may not be this year, but there will be a time where Drew Brees will not be around. The magical partnership between Brees and Payton cannot be underestimated. The partnership developed at a special time in Saints history and New Orleans history. Both men have already won.

Both will have keys to the city till the end of time. The key for Payton will be enduring the new storm. Very few coaches have the ability to come to grips with failure after success. And many wouldn’t blame him if time catches up with him. Ten years in one place is an achievement in the NFL. No one can take that away.