It’s officially the offseason for 28 of the 32 teams, which means NFL rumors are running wild. That apparently includes the coaching circles as well. On Thursday, a report emerged suggesting top head coach candidate Sean Payton’s chances to fill the Denver Broncos’ head coaching vacancy could be on the rocks.
The main reasoning behind this report indicated that Payton couldn’t see eye-to-eye with the new Broncos ownership group, fearing a potential power struggle.
Just hours after the rumor emerged, Payton squashed it.
According to Payton, there is no truth at all to these unfounded rumors. In fact, Payton suggests that the Broncos’ ownership was “fantastic.” In other words, don’t close the door on Payton landing in Denver to coach Russell Wilson just yet.
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Sean Payton viewed as head coaching candidate by three teams
The NFL offseason began with five head coaching vacancies. After the Carolina Panthers, who interviewed Payton, decided to hire Frank Reich instead, there are just four jobs remaining, and Payton is a candidate for three of them.
Arizona interviewed Payton on Thursday. Denver interviewed Payton on the 17th, and was slated for a second interview, either Wednesday or Thursday, but that meeting got pushed back so he could visit with Arizona. Houston interviewed him on the 16th.
Indianapolis, for whatever reason, has not been linked to Payton. It is unknown whether this is a preference by the Colts or by Payton. It’s possible the Colts don’t want to have to pay either New Orleans’ asking price (likely a first-round pick) or Payton’s expected salary demands, which have been rumored in the $20-$25 million range.
Either way, Payton’s chances to return to the NFL remain very much alive. Otherwise, FOX Sports would gladly take the Super Bowl-winning coach back next season. Payton’s contract with the Saints expires in 2024, which would mean teams would no longer have to trade for his services.