Denver is scheduled to be the first team this month to have an in-person head-coach interview with Sean Payton, per source. The Broncos and Payton are scheduled to meet Tuesday morning in Los Angeles.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 12, 2023
Sean Payton has scheduled his first formal interview for another team’s head coach vacancy, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Denver Broncos will meet with the former New Orleans Saints head coach as soon as NFL rules allow them to talk shop — Payton will meet with Broncos brass first thing in the morning on Tuesday, Jan. 17 in Los Angeles.
Payton has previously spoken with Broncos owner Greg Penner remotely as a way of introduction, though league bylaws prevented them from taking the conversation anywhere in depth. Penner is new to the NFL after purchasing Denver’s franchise back in August at the head of a unique ownership group, so that at least allowed them to break the ice with Payton.
And, yes, the Broncos have enough draft picks to acquire Payton after previously trading for franchise quarterback Russell Wilson. Denver owns the San Francisco 49ers’ first round pick in 2023 (through a trade with the Miami Dolphins) as well as back-to-back third rounders (one of which is coming from the Indianapolis Colts), and they have a full slate of picks to work with in 2024 and 2025.
Things wouldn’t have progressed to this stage if they didn’t already have an idea of what the Saints want in return for Payton’s services, so the Broncos are very serious contenders. Of course it all comes down as to whether Payton wants the job, so their efforts may end up being in vain. Stay tuned.
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