Sean Payton Dishes on Bill Parcells' Philosophy That Influenced Broncos

Bill Parcells' cast a shadow long enough to reach the Mile High City.

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton is a devoted disciple of Bill Parcells and the methods by which his two-time Super Bowl-winning mentor ran his football teams. Proof that Payton is still leafing through his well-worn Parcells coaching manual has arrived early at Broncos HQ.

Thus far, it’s been about focusing on strength and conditioning as the Broncos have kicked off Phase 1 of their offseason training program. The team meetings about Xs and Os and Payton's coaching philosophy will come later. 

"There's no meetings," Payton said on Thursday alongside Broncos GM George Paton. "When I say that, honestly, there's no football meetings right now. Phase II begins in three more weeks. We'll begin to introduce the offense, defense and the kicking game. We'll do the Phase II activities that we can do."

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Parcells famously used to be a season ticket holder at the old Mile High Stadium before he returned to coaching for a living. That was way back when football was more about lifting weights and running sprints, so he would most likely be delighted with his pupils’ traditional approach to schooling his team.

Payton's preparation work so far bears all hallmarks of how Parcells set the tone for his players. Parcells also liked to build his squads upon the bedrock of a dedicated, hard-nosed offensive line, because they invariably set standards for the entire locker room.

“Bill felt the offensive line was one of the most important positions on your roster because it permeated the building," Payton said. "He didn't say it had to be done in the draft or in free agency, but he just felt like that position group was important. Regardless of his philosophy and my exposure to Bill—when George and I started—and George even had mentioned this in an earlier press conference prior to free agency—that was a focus for us in upgrading and getting our team better."

Payton’s belief in Parcells’ teachings played a part in Denver going hard after expensive, but proven guard Ben Powers and right tackle Mike McGlinchey, exactly the type of plug-and-play starters who can anchor a blocking unit upfront. Parcells' philosophies, though, stretch beyond the O-line for Payton. 

"I think Bill looked at the offensive line, obviously, with great significance," Payton said. "We all do, but he looked at certain things pertaining to that group. He had certain requirements. The thing to understand when you talk about prototypes, though, is you really have to start with the defense and offense that you're projecting these players to. We often times talk about what's the vision for these guys. Are we looking at a nickel or corner? Are we looking at a slot receiver? Do we think he can play outside? Having a clear vision I think is important."

On reflection, Nathaniel Hackett's too-cute approach is being increasingly exposed by Payton's polar-opposite philosophy. What Payton is trying to create is a clubhouse vibe where players get their bodies and minds ready for the more complicated lessons and rigors to come.

It's a breath of fresh air for all involved, even if it does mean the Broncos are putting in some pretty heavy grunt work behind the scenes.

"This month is lifting and running," Payton said. "If there's a question [to a player], it's how's the weights going. We see these guys running in the morning when we're coming in here for draft meetings. We're not in a meeting-room setting. I don't want the players to feel like they're pulling into the parking lot coming to football practice in April. It's just not happening. It's great to see these guys around."

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