Report: Broncos now have multiple competitors for Sean Payton’s services
Jan 11, 2023, 2:10 PM
Last weekend it was reported the Broncos received permission to interview former Saints head coach Sean Payton.
Denver wants to fill its vacancy at head coach with a big name, and Payton is looking to get back onto the sidelines after spending a year doing television. However, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the price for Payton will be steep, potentially “a first-round pick and more” for his services.
Remember, New Orleans still owns Payton’s rights, so the Broncos or any other NFL team would have to trade for the former Super Bowl champion. Well, other teams have officially entered the chat. The Broncos now have multiple competitors for Payton’s services, as both the Cardinals and Texans are joining the party.
The #Broncos, #AZCardinals and… now the #Texans. All have permission to speak with #Saints coach Sean Payton, sources say. Plenty of good options for the Super Bowl-winning head coach. pic.twitter.com/rOUZbW2RsG
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 11, 2023
That means three of the five current job openings have now been tied to Payton. He’s on the radar of ownership in Denver, Arizona and Houston. It makes sense, but also means the Broncos will have to pay big (and trade big) to land him as their next head coach.
Payton went on FOX on Sunday morning and spoke about the possible gig in Denver. He outlined what’s important to him when looking for a new role.
“I think that’s it’s really about the triangular relationship. Ownership, front office, head coach. When we went to New Orleans, the quarterback was unsettled at that time. I think ownership and the functionality of the front office is the most important,” Payton said.
The Broncos certainly have wealthy owners in the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group. The front office is a little more uncertain, but GM George Paton is still employed… for now.
We’ll see how it all shakes out, but it looks like Payton will have multiple jobs to choose from, should he leave his cushy TV gig and return to the NFL.
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