Andrew Buller-Russ
Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos fell short of their goals this season, but this group feels like one that could be a move or two away from reaching the Super Bowl in the near future. Franchise quarterback Bo Nix isn’t going anywhere, and after retaining Vance Joseph, the Broncos’ third-ranked scoring defense should remain elite in 2026 too.
Now the Broncos may just need a bit more help to become the class of the AFC. Recently, coach Payton sat down with an old friend about a position on his staff.
According to KUSA’s Mike Klis, the Broncos spoke to former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer about a role on the coaching staff last week. Payton wants Zimmer to join the crew in a “senior coaching” role.
Payton and Zimmer reportedly share a mutual interest in getting an agreement in place, but there is nothing imminent, as Klis reports. Zimmer worked alongside Payton on the Dallas Cowboys from 2003 to 2005. Now, the two could reunite, nearly 20 years later.
Zimmer last worked in the NFL in 2024 as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator. He’d bring over 20 seasons of NFL experience to Denver if they can come to an agreement on a contract. With the Broncos making back-to-back trips to the playoffs, Denver appears to be a good fit for Zimmer if he’s looking to add to his Super Bowl ring collection after winning one in 1995.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Trying to Trade Pro Bowl Player
