The Denver Broncos front office has turned its attention to 2023. After firing first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett on Boxing Day, the franchise will once again embark on a head coaching search, and they have officially expressed interest in a name that figures to be popular this offseason.
The Broncos requested and received permission from the New Orleans Saints to interview former head coach Sean Payton, by ESPN and confirmed by CBS Sports NFL Insider Jonathan Jones. Denver could interview Payton in person as early as January 17. The Saints still own the rights to Payton, and any team signing him will need to create a trade package to send New Orleans. The last NFL coaching trade was in 2006, when the Kansas City Chiefs sent the New York Jets a fourth-round pick for Herm Edwards.
Payton confirmed the rumors Sunday morning, saying he had already spoken to the Broncos property.
“Denver is the first team, and I was able to have a conversation with their owner — and that’s kind of protocol,” Payton said on FOX. “So the team will go to the Saints and then the interview process can’t officially start until the 17th of this month. . . . So that’s really where it’s at.”
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Denver understands and agrees with New Orleans’ asking price “of a first-round pick and more.” Thanks to their midseason trade that sent linebacker Bradley Chubb to the Miami Dolphins, the Broncos have a first-round pick available in a potential deal to acquire the contract rights to Payton. Denver is also in possession of its 2023 third-round pick as well as its first four 2024 picks.
ESPN reports that the Broncos and Saints don’t have to agree to trade compensation at this point. Those talks would take place later if the conversations between Denver and Payton go well. As for what it might cost the Broncos or any team to trade for Payton, CBS Sports NFL Insider Jonathan Jones says nearly every executive he interviewed felt it would cost at least a first-round pick.
Payton stepped down as head coach of the Saints last January, but many believe he’s ready to return to the sidelines in 2023. The Super Bowl XLIV champion holds a 152-89 regular season record and a 9-8 playoff record. in 15 seasons trained.
According to CBS Sports NFL Insider Josina AndersonPayton has a strong affinity for jobs with the Los Angeles Chargers and Dallas Cowboys, with the Arizona Cardinals also being considered if that job opened up. Anderson reported last month that Payton would likely listen if the Broncos called, but historically preferred a strong connection with the general manager.
#Sean #Payton #confirms #speaking #Broncos #ownership #coaching #job
