I'll always be in the camp that believes he left because he simply didn't want to coach anymore without an elite QB. Will Nix continue to develop? Time will tell.
I think there’s definitely something to that, but I also think one of his best jobs as HC was 2021 when he clawed out 9 wins with a team that had no real QB and putrid receivers.
I think Payton got too comfortable with the front office in New Orleans. I think comfort is kryptonite for competitive people.