So we now know Sean Payton is staying on as the head coach of the Saints. So what’s it going to take for New Orleans to get back to the playoffs after missing out on postseason play the last two seasons….
cut 16 (11) “…focus on”
Payton says interim defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will likely return next season.

Payton will have to find a new quarterbacks coach. Mike Neu is reportedly taking the job as the head coach at Ball State.

In the NFL….Tampa Bay has fired Lovie Smith after two seasons. Former Northeast Louisiana University quarterback and Calvary Baptist Coach Doug Pederson will reportedly interview for the head coaching job with the Eagles.

And the Bronocos have announced that New Orleans native Peyton Manning will start at quarterback for them in the playoffs.

LSU left tackle Jerald Hawkins has announced he’s leaving school early to enter the NFL draft. Hawkins is from Baldwin and he’s expected to be selected in the second or third round.

College basketball tonight…Louisiana Tech hosts Old Dominion inside the Thomas Assembly Center. The Bulldogs have won 39 straigh home games which is one shy from tying the program record. Tech lost by 19 points to Old Dominion last year.