The Denver Broncos front office has turned its attention to 2023. Following the firing of first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett the day after Christmas, the franchise will once again be on the hunt for a head coach, and they’ve officially expressed interest in a name that’s notable for being popular this offseason.
The Broncos have asked and received permission from the New Orleans Saints to interview former head coach Sean Payton. via ESPN and confirmed by CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones. Denver is reportedly able to interview Payton in person as early as Jan. 17. The Saints still hold the rights to Payton, and any team that hires him must create a trade pack to send New Orleans. The last NFL coaching trade came 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 and said he has already spoken to the Broncos ownership.
“Denver is the first team and I was able to chat with their owner — and that’s kind of a log,” Payton said on FOX. “So it goes from the team to Saints, and then the interview process can’t officially start until the 17th of this month … So that’s really where it is.”
After Ian Rapoport of NFL Media– Denver understands and agrees with New Orleans’ award concept 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 in a potential deal to buy Payton’s contractual rights. Denver also has its third-round pick in 2023, as well as its first four picks in 2024.
ESPN reports that the Broncos and Saints do not have to agree to any trade compensation at this time. Those talks would come later if talks between Denver and Payton go well. As for what it might cost the Broncos or another team to trade for Payton, CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones says nearly every manager he interviewed estimated it would cost at least a first-round pick.
Payton stepped down from his role as Saints head coach 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 postseason record in 15 seasons of coaching.
According to CBS Sports NFL insider Josina Anderson, Payton has a high affinity for the Los Angeles Chargers and Dallas Cowboys jobs, with the Arizona Cardinals also being considered should that job open up. Anderson reported last month that Payton will likely listen when the Broncos call, but historically he prefers a strong connection to the general manager.