The race to sign Sean Payton as head coach is well and truly on, but it appears the Denver Broncos are moving quick to bring the former New Orleans Saints head coach to Mile High City.
According to recent reports, Broncos QB Russell Wilson has personally reached out to Payton in an effort to convince the kinda-sorta free-agent HC 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 appearing disorganized on offense for much of the season. In fact, the Broncos finished in 21st place in yards per game during Hackett’s term as HC, ranking dead last in scoring as well.
The Broncos ultimately limped to a 5-12 record in a roller-coaster year that included the massive $245 million Russell Wilson contract extension and the $4.25 billion takeover of the franchise.
Denver Broncos head coach rumors: Sean Payton asking for Bill Belichick money to take up job
Rumors have been swirling that Payton is demanding a yearly salary in the range of $20m to $25m to come on board as head coach.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick reportedly takes home $20m a year. Payton’s demands, therefore, would place him right up there with the highest-paid head coaches in the league.
Per Sportico, Pete Carroll is the second-highest paid HC in the NFL, earning $15 million, while Los Angeles Rams HC Sean McVay comes in at #3 with $14 million in salary.
There is, of course, no salary cap for coaches. And considering the fact that the new Broncos leadership has signaled a tendency to cough up the money for the right personnel, Payton could very well see himself the subject of a charm offensive from the franchise.
As things stand, however, the Carolina Panthers are also being credited with a strong interest in Payton. Franchise owner David Tepper (worth a reported $17 billion) faces another summer of uncertainty at the HC position and seemingly has an eye on bringing Payton to town.
