DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - It's not often that the NBA and NFL storylines cross over into the other's lane. One of the few examples came in 2015 when Rams owner Stand Kroenke was forced to transfer ownership of the Denver Nuggets (and the Colorado Avalanche) to his wife Ann Walton Kroenke to complete the Rams move from St. Louis to Los Angeles.
After Sean Payton announced his decision to leave the Saints on Tuesday, the speculation about the 58-year-old becoming the next head coach of the Cowboys spread like wildfire across social media, which brings us to our latest example of the NBA/NFL news cycle crossover.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the Cowboys were planning to part ways with Jason Garrett in 2019 after they had made arrangements with Sean Payton and the Saints to make him their next head coach, but thanks to an NBA star, the door was slammed shut on Jerry Jones' dream before it could become a reality.
"On Jan. 28 of 2019, Anthony Davis, the (New Orleans) Pelicans forward, informed the Pelicans that he was not going to sign a new contract and he wanted to be traded. So, what does that have to do with (Sean Payton)? Well, Mickey Loomis, the GM of the Saints, at the time, was the VP of Basketball Operations for the Pelicans, and he said, 'Hey, I can't be the guy with the common link between these two guys leaving New Orleans at about the same time. Sorry, Sean, just can't do it.' And that was that. (They) pulled the plug, and Sept. 15 of that year Payton signed a contract extension (with the Saints)," Florio said Wednesday on Shan and RJ on 105.3 The Fan.
Now that he is suddenly available, could Jones finally get his wish despite Payton saying he doesn't plan on coaching in 2022? Listen to the entire discussion with Florio and the guys below.