Sean Payton is prepared to quit calling offensive plays if it helps him manage his entire team better.

Payton figures Pete Carmichael Jr. is capable of doing it well for the New Orleans Saints.

"He's been with us now, with me now, for going on 11 years," Payton said. "He has a great feel for what we're looking to do.

"If I'm managing the game, or paying attention to what just happened on a punt return, we are far enough along in this process where it is easy for us," Payton said.

Carmichael was the primary play caller in Drew Brees' ear in Sunday's season-opener against the Oakland Raiders. 

Carmichael was essentially forced into play-calling duties by a fluke injury to Sean Payton, who broke his leg when caught up in a tackle along the sideline at Tampa Bay in the sixth game of that season. Carmichael handled play calling for the final nine regular season games.