Twitter

Twitter

Broncos have zeroed in on Sean Payton, but there’s one potential holdup

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 1/24/23

There’s no question that after the failings of Vance Joseph, Vic Fangio and Nathaniel Hackett, the Denver Broncos want to hit a home run with their next head coaching hire.

And according to a report from Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd, the Broncos reportedly want to hire Sean Payton. Quarterback Russell Wilson has even reportedly told Broncos owners that Payton is the coach he wants.

But according to Broncos insider Mike Klis of 9News, even if Payton accepts the job, the real question is can Denver afford the former AP NFL Coach of the Year?

“[The Broncos] have a budget; I do not think that they’re going to go $25M and I don’t think they’re going to get into a bidding thing.” Klis said during a recent radio interview with 104.3 The Fan. “It comes down to, ‘Do you want the job or not? And do you want it because of money or do you want it because you want to be a head coach and win that second Super Bowl and help this franchise here in Denver?’”

NFL analyst Jordan Schultz of The Score has suggested Payton’s price tag could be higher than what the Broncos might feel comfortable dishing out.

“[Payton] wants at least $20M a year,” Schultz said. “But that’s also the going rate for a top tier head coach.”

Payton is likely looking to top the list of the highest-paid head coaches in the NFL in 2023, which include New England’s Bill Belichick ($20M per year), Seattle’s Pete Carroll ($15M per year) and Los Angeles’ Sean McVay ($14M per year), according to Pro Football Network.