Sean Payton Trends As NFL World Connects Him to Broncos Job

The news comes shortly after it was reported that the former Saints coach would want an ‘All-Star staff’ if he returned to the NFL.

Fans have been speculating about who will become the next Broncos coach after the team fired Nathaniel Hackett on Monday. 

Amidst the speculation, one former NFL coach’s name went viral: Sean Payton.

Coincidentally, Payton’s name was just in the news a couple of days before Hackett’s firing as rumors continue to circulate about the former Saints coach returning to the NFL. He retired from New Orleans after the 2021 season.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Payton said he wanted an “All-Star staff” in order to return to the league. One of those staff members would include Vic Fangio as his defensive coordinator.

This is where the problem lies: Fangio was fired as Denver’s coach in January 2022 after three seasons in the role. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted to Pat McAfee on Monday that it would be unlikely for Fangio to return to the Broncos as the defensive coordinator under Payton.

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While Hackett’s replacement has still not been announced, the NFL world has conflicting reactions to the possibility of Payton taking over in Denver. Here are some of the reactions from Twitter on Monday.

Broncos need Sean Payton.

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) December 26, 2022

Broncos should do what they can to get Sean Payton. Have to think he’s the best chance they have at making Russell Wilson usable again. https://t.co/on5oX5xcDu

— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) December 26, 2022

Can Sean Payton save Russell Wilson's career?

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 26, 2022

The race for Sean Payton begins.

— Nick Pedone (@NickPedone12) December 26, 2022

Whatever the Broncos do, they are going to spend an absurd amount of money on high end coaches.

Sean Payton name your price.

— John Barchard | Monetize Philly (@JohnBarchard) December 26, 2022

Sean Payton. But would he even want it?

— Jimmy Orr (@JimmyOrr) December 26, 2022

The Broncos are going to throw the kitchen sink at Sean Payton. They pretty pray he can find a few things to cling to in Russell Wilson’s film

— Patrick Daugherty (@RotoPat) December 26, 2022

I think Sean Payton to Denver is a lock

— Mike Payton (@AtoZ_Payton) December 26, 2022

Feel like the Broncos best chance at a quick fix is to give Sean Payton a blank check and hope he can make Russ not awful.

— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) December 26, 2022

Dare I say… Sean Payton and an all star staff to….. Denver? pic.twitter.com/dV4ESVugdD

— Jorge Andrés (@Jorge_Andres_TV) December 26, 2022