Dan Campbell Will Coach against Sean Payton in 2023

Sean Payton is nearing a deal to become the head coach of the Denver Broncos.

Sean Payton will return to coach in the NFL in 2023. 

According to NFL Network, the New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos have finalized a deal for the compensation needed to secure the services of the former Super Bowl winner. 

On the home portion of the Detroit Lions' 2023 schedule, the Broncos are scheduled to visit Ford Field, pitting head coach Dan Campbell against his former mentor. 

More: Jared Goff Named to 2023 Pro Bowl

"It was so much deeper than even turning the place around to win, and you win a Super Bowl, but I felt like it really pulled the community together and got them back on their feet," Campbell said about Payton, via the Detroit News. "I think there's something to be said for that. It'll never be forgotten."

Campbell spent several seasons under Payton on the Saints' coaching staff, learning from one of the game's most respected offensive minds. 

"He knows how to put his players in a position to have success, better than anyone I've ever been around," Campbell explained. "He knows how to use the totality of the roster on game day. And man, I think his ability to know, hey, this is what this player needs. This player needs a boot in the rear, or this player needs a hug, or just how to motivate. Those are things you never forget. I know this, they're going to miss him across the way."

One lesson that has certainly been inspired by Campbell's time working with Payton has been his aggressive nature offensively, regularly going for it on fourth down. 

With Payton now back in the NFL, Campbell will have his first opportunity to coach against his mentor -- and on his home field. 

The #Saints and #Broncos just finalized the deal on compensation and sources say New Orleans gets a first-rounder and an early pick — likely a 2nd rounder — but also give a pick back. Complex deal but now done. Sean Payton will be the #Broncos coach.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 31, 2023