This summer, the Miami Dolphins reportedly wanted Sean Payton so badly that they were prepared to give him a record-breaking salary. The Dolphins were prepared to give Payton a five-year, $100 million contract to lead the team, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. This would have been only the second $100 million coaching contract in history, but with one important distinction.
When Jon Gruden signed a contract for $100 million with the Raiders in 2018, it was for 10 years and paid out $10 million a year. Payton, on the other hand, would have received a staggering $20 million per year under his contract, which would have only spanned five seasons.
Sports Illustrated claims that the pact was only intended to last four years. Had it been completed, Payton would have been paid $25 million a year; clearly, this never occurred. There were several reports that the Dolphins had a “hidden strategy” this summer, and it appears that people were referring to this deal. Dolphins and Payton declined to issue a formal comment on the situation.
