49ers to go after Sean Payton after firing Jim Tomsula

The San Francisco 49ers on Sunday fired Jim Tomsula as head coach even though his team won its season finale against the Rams. With Tomsula out of the picture, there is chatter that the team could go after New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton.

NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen reported the news:

Keep an eye on Sean Payton and the #49ers. If the #Chargers are keeping Mike McCoy, this is Payton's best chance to move near his daughter

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 4, 2016

Now that 49ers have parted ways with Jim Tomsula, they are expected to explore idea of hiring Saints HC Sean Payton, per @mortreport and me.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 4, 2016

Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio also linked Payton go the Niners. He said the 49ers and Colts were the most likely destinations for Payton, with the Giants and Cowboys as longshots.

The thinking is that the Saints are facing a massive rebuild and Payton will not want to go through that, so he might ask the team to let him out of his contract. The Saints could also try to get compensation for Payton, who is one of the best offensive coaches in football.

One might question Payton’s thought process if he does elect to take the 49ers job. The team has two quarterbacks — Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert — who most don’t view as long-term solutions. Payton has had the luxury of working with Drew Brees the past decade, and it would be a major downgrade to turn to either Kaepernick or Gabbert.

Previous reports have said both Chip Kelly and Mike Shanahan have already reached out to express interest in the Niners job.