Broncos bring in Sean Payton: An inside look at the new leader

The Denver Broncos have acquired head coach Sean Payton from the New Orleans Saints. The reported deal involved giving up 2023's first-round and 2024's second-round draft picks.

The hiring follows the Broncos' decision to dismiss their former head coach Nathaniel Hackett, who is now the New York Jets offensive coordinator.

New Orleans Saints Sean Payton

The Broncos reportedly interviewed several potential candidates, including Michigan head coach John Harbaugh, Ejiro Evero, and Ryan DeMeco.

The team was particularly interested in DeMeco, who is regarded as one of the best defensive minds in the league. He led the San Francisco 49ers to allowing the least points in the 2022 NFL regular season.

With DeMeco accepting a head coach role with the Houston Texans, the Broncos quickly reached an agreement with Payton. Despite initial rumors that he would join the Dallas Cowboys, given his well-known relationship with Cowboys president Jerry Jones, he signed with the Broncos.

He began his NFL coaching career in 1997 as the quarterback coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, where he helped guide the team's quarterback to 4,009 yards in the 1997 season.

In 1999, the New York Giants hired Payton as their quarterback coach. He was later promoted to offensive coordinator, where he led an offense that made an appearance in Super Bowl XXXV.

He is known for his attention to detail and long hours spent studying plays. In 2003, he joined the Cowboys as the assistant head coach and quarterback coach. Under his guidance, the team's offense improved from 31st in the league to 15th.

In 2006, after a disappointing 3-13 record in the 2005 season, the Saints hired Payton as their head coach. Under his leadership and with quarterback Drew Brees, the Saints made their first post-season appearance in six years, boasting the league's top-ranked passing offense and fifth-ranked scoring offense.

He guided the Saints to their first Super Bowl win during the 2009 season, defeating the Indianapolis Colts 31-17. The team finished the season with a 13-3 record, capping a historic campaign.

Denver Broncos v Kansas City Chiefs

Payton announced his retirement from coaching following the 2021 season, with a career record of 161-97 and a winning percentage of 62%. The retirement came a year after his longtime quarterback retired.

He has been courted by many teams, especially the Miami Dolphins, who failed to get permission from the Saints. His hiring by the Broncos is expected to revitalize the team's offense. He is known as the quarterback whisperer, so many hope he will help improve Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson.