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Who’s next for the Denver Broncos? A look at future HC Candidates

By Aric Manthey

Aug 13, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos CEO Greg Penner and wife Carrie Walton Penner before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos CEO Greg Penner and wife Carrie Walton Penner before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Here we are, folks. It’s been a rough 15 weeks, but it appears that there is end in sight.  After a chaotic 4-11 tenure as the Broncos’ Head Coach, Nathaniel Hackett has been handed the dreaded pink slip.

Now that this move has come to pass, what’s the next step? Well, the Broncos have two games left to play.  With all due respect to Jerry Rosburg, his era as the interim HC will be brief.

Do the Broncos lean towards an offensive play caller to fix Russ? Are they inclined to find the next “up and coming” guy? Perhaps, the right answer is neither.  Today, we’ll take a look at a variety of candidates and make the case for why each one of them could be the next Head Coach of the Denver Broncos.

Let’s begin.

The Big Guys that could become the next Denver Broncos HC

Denver Broncos, Sean Payton
Jan 2, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton on the sidelines in the second half against the Carolina Panthers at the Caesars Superdome. The Saints won, 18-10. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

Sean Payton (currently retired Saints HC)

Well, let’s get this one out of the way first. Do I think he’s coming to Denver? Probably not. However, he’s going to be the first (and flashiest) name thrown out there in this cycle.

Since stepping away from the New Orleans Saints at the conclusion of the 2021 season, Payton has been reportedly yearning for another opportunity.  In his 16 years leading the Saints, Payton compiled a 161-97 record (9-8 in the playoffs), seven division titles, and one Super Bowl win. Yeah, those stats will put you at the top of every conversation.

So where’s the pessimism coming from regarding his candidacy? Simply put, you’d have to give a fortune in order to secure his services.  Given the structure of his contract, it would appear that an interested team will have to give up draft picks AND a large financial offer in order to swipe the heralded coach away from NOLA.

If the Broncos are able to pull off such a move, bravo. However, it’s going to be a move that will tether this team to the coach for the foreseeable future. Fortunately, Russell Wilson has long been a fan of Payton’s. If you’re going to saddle a coach with a financially invested veteran QB, you better make sure they like each other.

To recap Sean Payton’s candidacy for the Denver Broncos

Pros

  • Super Bowl winning Head Coach with several division titles and playoff wins
  • Has a track record of working with shorter, athletic QB’s
  • Highly respected coach with the ability to build a strong staff
  • One of the best offensive play callers of this generation
  • Will instantly command the respect of his players

Cons

  • Is contractually tied to the Saints and will require a fortune to pry away
  • Because of his status, he may be picky with his next job and decline the Broncos

Bottom Line: Is it possible he comes here? Sure. However,  I don’t think we should plan on it.

Let’s take a look at the other big fish in the search pond.

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