If they hadn't been or weren't cheap, we wouldn't have gone for "continuity" and hired a failed, former Raiders HC instead of a younger, more intelligent and capable OC and DC?
Stubborn? Yes, but that only explains maybe part of the issue here. That and perhaps Loomis' age in 2021 didnt want to go through another possible rebuild that hiring a new HC back then might entail.
He doesn't have the energy, focus or intellegence to be "in the game" anymore, if he arguably ever really did. If you take away Payton's achievements and long borderline HOF HC resume here, Loomis' overall record and decisions as Saints GM is subpar.