The thing that gets glossed over when we talk about the great head coaches is that they're just smarter than everybody else. DA is definitely not a great HC. But I seriously don't think it's possible that he's not a very smart guy. You can't run a NFL defense successfully for long if you're stupid. I'm sure it happens but it seems like it would be hard for somebody slip through cracks wind up as head coach. DA is going to get another year whether we like it or not.
But being smart isn't enough. Leadership and a whole lot other factors including being willing to dedicate virtually every minute of your life to your job.
Payton had all of that. Plus a good bit of arrogance thrown in for good measure. Good luck finding another one like him. They're out there but finding one who doesn't already have a job is going to take some serious work. Luckily we did a lot of that work last offseason. Could be that they want to take their time and do a thorough search. Meanwhile they have confidence Allen can hold down the fort and possibly even win the job. (Doubtful)
Payton wasn't around the last time we hired a coach. But Mickey Loomis was. He also was part of the team that hired Jim Haselet, who people seem to forget was NFL HC of the year his first year here. He's done a great job for a long time and I see no reason to think he won't continue to do so.
So I think I'll defer to the people who have kept us one of the most successful franchises over the last 20+ years.