[original thread got bounced, so I'm putting this here]
I saw an article on it and mentioned it a couple of times here. Maybe FakeNews from me.
I tried looking to confirm. My best estimate is that this was an issue prior to Payton's new contract in 2016, but he's now under contract to the Saints, and we'd have to give up something for him, although word also is that Saints management would be accommodating toward Payton, given what he's done for the franchise.
But really, nothing more valuable than an elite coach. And Payton seemed instrumental in both Tony's and Brees' development.