WHEREVER Sean Payton ends up next - there must be a sense of alignment.

The legendary NFL coach opened up to Kay Adams on Up And Adams this Tuesday about exactly what it is he believes is necessary for a team to succeed and gave insight into what he will be looking for when he eventually returns to the league.

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Payton explained: "When I use the term functionality, its ownership (and) front office - you just want everybody's auras to be in the same rhythm and sequence.

"And I think one of the challenges in our league with a number of teams is that's not the case. And so despite whatever talent's there, despite the talent of the GM, or the head coach, if it's not strong through the middle, then they have no chance of winning the ultimate prize."

Payton later elaborated: "When its not, I don't care who the quarterback is. In other words, then you don't have a good job.

"Then despite how good your game plan is, despite the talent you bring in to the building, if those things aren't all on the same page, then you have disfunction and then you have an average or below average chance to win."

And while Payton is known for his abilities as an offensive coach, and specifically for his success with quarterback Drew Brees, prioritizing the alignment of the higher-ups seems to trump all else.

While he agreed that quarterback is his number one priority, Payton explained: "The minute you get to a place, like New Orleans in '06, we've got to solve that problem (quarterback).

"And so we're looking at all our options, we're looking at the draft, the '06 draft - (Matt) Leinart, Vince Young, Jay Cutler - we're looking at free agents that might be able to hold the fort for a year or two.

"And then Brees is released with an injury, we like the risk with the makeup of the player. So that has to be addressed yes, but what I'm talking about is beyond that."

Payton took a step back from coaching after last season, having spent fifteen years as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints - during which time they only had four losing seasons and always won at least seven games.

He left behind a job that he described as "great," and an ownership group and general manager that he admitted to missing.

Now enjoying the quiet life, the question remains: Where's next?

Payton has been linked with both the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins in the past, and most recently with the now-vacant head coaching position with the Carolina Panthers.

But it doesn't sound like Payton is in a rush to return to the sideline.

He admitted to feeling "uncomfortable" being linked to many of these jobs as he has personal links with a lot of the coaches who are under fire.

Plus, Payton, who is currently working as an NFL analyst for Fox Sports, said that he is enjoying his current role "a lot," admitting that "there's a part of you that recognizes that if I do this, I am going to live 10 years longer than if I do that."

But while this is the case, he also admitted that the feeling of winning a game is "like a drug."

"Its that addiction to that feeling of winning."

For how long Payton can avoid that addiction remains to be seen, but as soon as he even vaguely hints at a desire to return, there will likely be a plethora of teams knocking at his door.

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Sean Payton opens up to Kay Adams on potential NFL coaching return and reveals importance of a quarterback... - The US Sun