Saints? coaching decision reportedly far off

NEW ORLEANS (AP) ? Decisions are still pending on a possible appeal of Sean Payton?s suspension or an interim coach should his season-long punishment be upheld, a person familiar with the situation said.

The person says Payton, general manager Mickey Loomis and their staffs were in meetings at the team?s suburban headquarters Thursday and focused primarily on preparations for next month?s NFL draft. The person spoke to The Associated Press Thursday on condition of anonymity because the Saints have not announced their plans.

Payton?s suspension in connection with the Saints? bounty scandal is slated to begin on Sunday, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has said he has until Monday to appeal.

Payton has sought advice on the matter from his friend and retired coach Bill Parcells, who has told several media outlets he?d consider taking the Saints? interim coaching job if Payton, his protégé, asked him to take over.

?I had plenty of opportunities to do things with different teams, and I?ve turned them all down,? Parcells, who turns 71 in August, told the New York Daily News. ?But this one is special. This guy is like family to me. And if I could help him, I would.?

Payton began working with Parcells in 2003, when he was hired as an offensive assistant with the Dallas Cowboys. The two have been close ever since and Payton, throughout his six seasons as New Orleans? head coach, has continued consulting his mentor on numerous matters.