TAMPA, Fla. -- Sean Payton brought up his displeasure over the way Dirk Koetter’s players acted in Week 9 during an awkward postgame exchange between the two coaches following Sunday’s rematch.
At first, Payton and Koetter exchanged aggressive chest slaps during an unusual handshake following the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 31-24 victory over the New Orleans Saints. They were both smiling, with Payton shouting, “Good Job!” and Koetter shouting, “Good Luck to Ya!”
But then, according to audio captured by Tampa’s FOX13, Payton turned back to Koetter and referenced that Week 9 meeting -- which included a sideline scuffle that led to Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans being suspended for shoving Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore in the back.
“Here’s the thing, I got pissed in the last game...” Payton started to tell Koetter, before Koetter replied, “Because I couldn’t see it.”
Payton grimaced and started to walk away before Koetter added, “Hey Sean, if I would’ve seen it...”
But Payton said, “Come on,” and walked away.
Interesting exchange between Dirk Koetter and Sean Payton following the game. The shoulder pats getting a little aggressive. Sounds like unresolved matters from the week 9 scuffle involving Winston, Evans and Lattimore. (credit @JeffTewksFox13 for video) #Bucs pic.twitter.com/IWDdml3LLM
— Scott Smith (@ScottSmithFOX13) January 1, 2018
Koetter was asked about the unusual scene after the game.
“First of all, Sean Payton is a fantastic football coach and he’s been where I would love to go,” said Koetter, who has long expressed his admiration for the fellow offensive game-planner and play-caller. “At the end of the game, I was wishing him good luck in the playoffs.”
When told that it looked like Payton was “trying to make a mark on you,” Koetter said, “Well, every guy has their own style I guess.”
-- ESPN Buccaneers reporter Jenna Laine contributed to this report.