With Black Monday upon us, the NFL coaching carousel is about to get busy with plenty of vacancies on the horizon including current openings in Carolina, Indianapolis and Denver. Refreshed after a season-long sabbatical spent in the Fox broadcast booth, Super Bowl champion and former NFL Coach of the Year Sean Payton is itching to be back on the sideline, already lining up an interview with the Broncos, who pulled the plug on Nathaniel Hackett last month.
The Broncos needed permission from New Orleans because the Saints still hold his rights, an issue the Dolphins encountered in their pursuit of Payton last offseason, ultimately costing them a first-round pick for tampering. It’s unclear what the Saints would receive as compensation for Payton, though, according to Adam Schefter, that can be negotiated later.
Payton’s interview doesn’t make him a lock for the job, particularly with rumblings Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh would jump at the chance to coach in the NFL again if the opportunity presented itself. Even if Denver offers him a blank check, Payton would be wise to explore any and all options, with other, possibly more appealing jobs likely to become available in the coming days. There are even whispers Payton would consider a return to New Orleans, should the team move on from Dennis Allen this offseason. The Texans could also be of interest, considering they’ll have the No. 1 pick in April’s draft, which they would likely use on Heisman-winning quarterback Bryce Young of Alabama.
Though his career hasn’t been without controversy—he served a yearlong suspension for his role in the Saints’ bounty scandal, incentivizing players to injure their opponents—Payton boasts a strong resume, ranking 23rd in career victories (152) and 24th in winning percentage (.631). He also brought New Orleans to its only Super Bowl in 2009, beating Indianapolis—led by Hall-of-Fame quarterback Peyton Manning—in that year’s title game. Payton would have his work cut out for him in Denver, tasked with restoring Russell Wilson’s confidence after a career-worst season marred by injuries and inconsistency.
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