The race to sign Sean Payton as head coach is on, but the Denver Broncos appear to be moving quickly to bring the former New Orleans Saints head coach to the Mile High City.
According to recent reports, Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson personally contacted Payton in an attempt to convince the free-agent head coach to come to town.
#Broncos QB Russell Wilson has reached out to Sean Payton about coaching Denver, according to FS1. “He wants Sean Payton. He needs fixing.” https://t.co/zrrGZeYLD5
Denver relieved Nathaniel Hackett of his services the day after Christmas after the team looked disorganized offensively for most of the season. In fact, the Broncos ranked 21st in yards per game and last in scoring during Hackett’s tenure as head coach.
The Broncos eventually limped to a 5-12 record in a roller-coaster year that included a massive $245 million extension for Russell Wilson and a $4.25 billion franchise acquisition.
Denver Broncos head coach rumors: Sean Payton asked Bill Belichick to pay for his job
Rumors have been swirling that Payton is asking for between $20 million and $25 million a year to be head coach.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick reportedly makes $20 a year. As such, Payton’s request would put him on par with the highest-paid head coaches in the league.
Every sportsPete Carroll is the second highest paid head coach in the NFL with $15 million, while Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVeigh is third with $14 million.
Of course, there is no salary cap for coaches. Given that the Broncos’ new leadership has signaled a penchant for shelling out money for the right personnel, Payton will likely see himself as the subject of the franchise’s charm offensive.
As it stands, however, the Carolina Panthers are also believed to have strong interest in Payton. Team owner David Tepper (reportedly worth $17 billion) faces another summer of uncertainty at the head coaching job and appears intent on bringing Payton to town.
