Sean Payton will be the next head coach of the Denver Broncos. according to CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones. The New Orleans Saints and Broncos have completed trade compensation for head coach Sean Payton. according to ESPNthereby removing the final hurdle for Payton to become Denver’s next head coach.
Adam Scherter adds that trade is calling for Denver’s first-round pick from San Francisco (No. 30 overall) and a 2024 second-round pick are sent to New Orleans for their 2024 third-round pick.
More on Payton to Broncos
Payton, 59, last coached for the Saints in 2021 but remains under contract meaning a trade has yet to be negotiated. The eastern Illinois graduate’s NFL coaching career began in 1997 with the Eagles. His 15-year league journey covered three-quarters of the NFC East, excluding Washington, before stepping in as the Saints head coach in 2013.
During his time with New Orleans, he posted a 152-89 record (.631 winning percentage) and a 9-8 record in the playoffs. The Saints won Super Bowl XLIV. He guided the franchise through the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina before becoming embroiled in the 2012 bounty scandal. Payton was suspended for the entire season, earning him the honor of being the first modern-era head coach to be suspended. The Associated Press gave him the 2006 Coach of the Year honor after his team won 10-6.
Led by Payton and mostly quarterback Drew Brees, the New Orleans offense ranked second in points per game (27.5), first in yards per game (391.4), first in third-down conversion (45.4%) and the Red Zone Conversion (61.1%) from 2006-2021.
Russell Wilson struggled with Denver in his first season since being acquired via the Seattle trade. He completed just 60% of his passes for 16 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and an 84.4 passer rating; all ranked 25th or worse in the league. Wilson went 4-11 as a starter, which eventually led to the firing of first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett.
Overall pick #30 has now changed hands three times. It was originally held by San Francisco before being sent to Miami as part of the trade package that allowed the 49ers to select quarterback Trey Lance. The Dolphins then sent it to the Broncos in exchange for edge rusher Bradley Chubb. Now it is being sent to New Orleans as part of the Payton trade.
New Orleans was without a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft after deciding last year to take a second first-round pick from Philadelphia. The Eagles hold the No. 10 overall pick. Denver is again without a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft after sending his own to the Seahawks in a Russell-Wilson trade.