Broncos Finalize Deal to Make Sean Payton Head Coach, per Report

The hiring comes after Denver fired Nathaniel Hackett after 15 games in his first season.

The Broncos and Saints have finalized a deal to land Sean Payton in Denver as their new coach, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Payton retired after the 2021 season and was still under contract with New Orleans. 

Per ESPN, the Saints will send their third-round pick in 2024 and Payton to the Broncos in exchange for Denver’s ’23 first-round pick and next year’s second-round pick. 

Payton will take over the role after Nathaniel Hackett was fired 15 games into his first season. Hackett led the team to a 4–11 record during that span. 

Senior assistant coach Jerry Rosburg was named the interim coach for the final two games. The Broncos finished last in the AFC West with a 5–12 record, one game behind the Raiders.

The new coach will work with quarterback Russell Wilson in his second season in Denver. He was traded to the Broncos in a blockbuster trade back in March and then signed a five-year, $245 million contract extension in September. 

In 15 games this season, Wilson completed 292 of 483 passes for 3,524 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.