Broncos are 'front-runner' for notable HC

Sean Payton. Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos are 'front-runner' for Super Bowl-winning HC

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 1/13/23

The Broncos are the front-runner for former Saints coach and Super Bowl champion Sean Payton, per Mark Maske of The Washington Post. Payton reportedly believes in the Walton-Penner family and is willing to work with fledgling quarterback Russell Wilson, the key in Denver's hiring process.

The Broncos appear to be the front-runner for Sean Payton, at least in the early stages of the process. Payton likes the franchise's stable ownership and would be happy to work with Russell Wilson, source says.
— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) January 13, 2023

Payton already confirmed he spoke with Denver on Fox Sports this past Sunday, and the organization plans to formally interview Payton Tuesday morning in Los Angeles, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Denver is scheduled to be the first team this month to have an in-person head-coach interview with Sean Payton, per source. The Broncos and Payton are scheduled to meet Tuesday morning in Los Angeles.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 12, 2023

Although Payton is the person of interest, Wilson is the primary concern for both parties, specifically if the nine-time Pro Bowler is salvageable.

In 15 starts, the 34-year-old quarterback posted career lows in passer rating (84.4), completion percentage (60.5), and passing touchdowns (16). The Broncos went 5-12 and fired rookie head coach Nathaniel Hackett after 15 games.

Denver, beholden to Wilson due to his five-year extension with $165 million guaranteed, must ensure that its next HC is a certified QB whisperer.

Payton fits the requirement since he turned Drew Brees' career around in New Orleans and has a plan for Wilson. He recently explained it to Colin Cowherd, saying that if he was Denver's HC, "I'm asking for some of his greatest hits to make sure we have those song lyrics available and if not, let's put them in."

I think think this clip from @SeanPayton with @ColinCowherd on Russell Wilson is illuminating: https://t.co/DtK8LdHRbg
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) December 28, 2022

Payton is under contract with the Saints until 2024, so Denver needs to compensate them with draft picks. According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, New Orleans wants a first-rounder and more.

The Broncos also need a better sales pitch than Arizona and Houston. Both earned permission to interview Payton.

However, Schefter reported the Broncos will be "ultra-aggressive." They might go all in for Payton due to his track record and solutions for Wilson.

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