The New Orleans Saints' offense looks entirely different this year, focused on ball-control and without any of the dynamism that have become their hallmarks under Sean Payton and Drew Brees.

The Saints (2-4) are on pace to have the fewest points, the fewest deep passes, the most sacks allowed and the worst rushing average in the Payton-Brees era.

"I do believe this is a totally different offense than Saints fans or NFL fans are accustomed to seeing," said ESPN analyst and former NFL safety Matt Bowen. "They're not a push-the-ball-down-the-field type of offense. ... If you had to give ‘em a label, I think they're a ball-control offense."

The New Orleans Saints have released kicker Zach Hocker and will sign Kai Forbath.

Hocker missed a potential game-winning 30-yard field goal against the Cowboys and then missed a 51-yard and 48-yard attempt last week.

Hocker won the job over Dustin Hopkins in training camp, likely on the merits of his work in preseason games. 

USC has interest in Sean Payton and Chip Kelly for their head coaching vacancy.

Payton is expected to consider other opportunities after the season. Payton's daughter attends Pepperdine University near USC in Malibu.

Ian Rapoport reported that Kelly would have some interest in USC, but added "a source close to him points out that Chip Kelly really likes to be liked and wanted, so that may be driving some of his interest."

Sean Payton insisted he's happy being head coach of the New Orleans Saints.

Payton was linked to the Miami Dolphins' job in an ESPN report on Sunday.

"You ignore half of that stuff and obviously dismiss it. Our players aren't distracted by that," Payton said. "That comes up yearly now, not just every three or four years. That came up, shoot, my second, third, fifth, ninth, pick a year. And you've just got to make sure that the players, coaches, everyone understands what the focus is. ... Certainly as a coach you pay attention to it because you pay attention to all those things that are threatening."

Payton has been frequently mentioned as a candidate for the Dallas Cowboys as well over the years.

"I don't know what else to say," Payton said on Monday. "I love it here. I'm close to my children. I just built a brand new place here. You get tired of answering the questions and yet I understand you asking, and I'll say what I said before. This is where I see myself, and I've said that now for however many years."

The Miami Dolphins are expected to make inquiries to the New Orleans Saints this offseason about the availability of Sean Payton.

Other teams such as the Indianapolis Colts may also reach out to the Saints.

Payton has two seasons remaining on his deal, but the Saints appear to be moving towards a rebuild.

Payton has downplayed rumors linking him to other job openings on multiple occasions.