NFL insider Jay Glazer: Sean Payton 'ain't going' to Carolina

Per Glazer, the Panthers' front office reached out to gauge Sean Payton's interest in the team's head-coaching position. Payton joined FOX Sports as a studio analyst before the start of the season.

Glazer told the Panthers that the Super Bowl-winning coach "would be a good start but it ain't happening. He ain't going there."

That could be for any number of reasons, but most likely because the New Orleans Saints will have to agree to a trade with whichever team comes to an agreement with Payton. The Saints agreeing to trade Payton within the division - even with the Panthers' new-found draft capital - seems unlikely.

Offensive production is at its lowest since over a decade ago. Payton will have plenty of suitors this off-season (he may even have some now). So, he can choose to be picky. Earlier this season he acknowledged that "there's no utopia...when it comes to teams" as he considers a return to coaching. Whether it's concern over the Panthers' roster or the fact that they're in the same division as the Saints, Payton has apparently shut the door on at least one franchise.

For Saints fans, the fact that Payton has all but bowed out of the Panthers' head coaching search might be the best news they've heard all season.