Sean Payton to Become Denver’s Head Coach After Broncos and Saints Reach Deal

Former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton is heading to Denver to join forces with Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints
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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 09: Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 9, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints

Sean Payton is set to become the new head coach of the Denver Broncos.

The New Orleans Saints and Broncos are finalizing a deal that will send Payton to Denver to join forces with quarterback Russell Wilson, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.

Payton spent this past season as a Fox analyst after stepping down from his coaching position in New Orleans last year. He’s still under contract with the Saints through the 2024 season, and the Broncos have agreed to send New Orleans a trade package that includes a 2023 first-round pick, a 2024 second-round pick, and a 2024 third-rounder.

The news arrives a month after the Broncos fired first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett after a 4-11 start. Denver’s dismal performance was highlighted by the worst season of Russell Wilson’s career, as the former Seattle Seahawks quarterback finished with his lowest single-season touchdown total (16) while throwing for 3,524 yards and 11 interceptions.

In Payton, the Broncos now have a Super Bowl-winning coach. Over 15 seasons in New Orleans, Payton led the Saints to a 152-89 regular-season record, while winning seven NFC South titles and appearing in three NFC championship games. 

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