This isn’t going to slow down any time soon. Sean Payton has been linked to the ongoing Denver Broncos head coach search by multiple reports, but that interest may be one-sided. At the end of the day, Payton has to actually want the job. The ex-New Orleans Saints head coach will have his pick of opportunities once the NFL’s hiring cycle kicks off in earnest.
Firstly, CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson reported a shortlist of names on the Broncos’ radar — leading with former Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn but including Miami Dolphins pass game coordinator Darrell Bevell, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Demeco Ryans, and Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen, plus Payton. Before you get started, yes, the Broncos have enough draft capital to make a competitive offer for Payton.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler followed up by mentioning Denver’s interest in Payton, noting that the Broncos are expected “to at least check on Sean Payton and possibly make a major run at him.” Fowler cautioned that Payton’s preference for coaching the Los Angeles Chargers and quarterback Justin Herbert is the “worst-kept secret” in league circles, but it’s unlikely that job opens up after Chargers coach Brandon Staley won a playoff berth with two weeks left in the regular season.
Funnily enough, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio used that same language to describe rumors swirling of Payton hoping to team up with Tom Brady in New Orleans, taking his old job back from his handpicked successor Dennis Allen. So if we’re reading the tea leaves here, Payton would rather coach Herbert in L.A. or return to his old office with a future Hall of Fame quarterback in tow before considering other jobs.
That’s not to say he won’t take a look at what rebuilding teams like the Broncos, Carolina Panthers, and Indianapolis Colts have to offer, but those situations lack some of the appeal he’d find elsewhere. But that’s just our interpretation of what’s going around these days. More coaching vacancies will open up around the league in the weeks ahead, and we should expect Payton to make a move somewhere. Maybe he comes back to the Saints (who, for their part, have done little but voice enthusiasm for Allen’s stewardship). Maybe he ends up with one AFC West team or another. All we can do is wait and see.