Sean Payton: Suspension Could Create Saints Dilemma

April 1, 2012   ·   Craig Horton   ·   Jump to comments

Regardless of whether it is for a full or partial season, Sean Payton will be absent from the Saints sideline in 2012.
While Payton's situation is unique in the circumstances, it will not be the first time that a coach is away for at least part of a season.
You may not be familiar with Jack McKinney, but in 1979 he was in his first season as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers featured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and a rookie named Magic Johnson. The Lakers were 10-4 when tragedy struck McKinney.
On November 8, 1979 McKinney suffered a severe head injury while riding a bicycle. He was hospitalized for weeks, and his recovery was even longer.
His assistant, Paul Westhead, took over his duties. Even though McKinney could have returned after three months, Westhead was allowed to coach the rest of the season. The Lakers, under Westhead, would win the NBA title.
McKinney did return to the court in 1980—in Indiana.
Johnny Majors was a l...

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