Next Denver Broncos head coach could be de-facto GM

The next head coach of the Denver Broncos is likely going to be a “big swing” and may also be more empowered to make significant personnel decisions.  We’ve heard the big swing term being thrown around many times during this brief phase before the Broncos more or less officially began interviewing for their vacant head coaching spot.

Jim Harbaugh and Sean Payton appear to be the top two choices for Denver if they’re able to get either one.  Hiring one of these men won’t be easy.

For Harbaugh, he’ll likely have to be offered one of them, or perhaps the richest head coaching contract in NFL history, and with Denver now being owned by people with a bajillion dollars, giving Harbaugh $20 million per year is not out of the question.

Sean Payton is a bit of a different case, as his rights belong to New Orleans and the two clubs would have to work out some sort of trade for his services.  I do think Denver would give up what is needed to get Payton, but we’ll never know until that time comes.

Seeing as how in demand both Harbaugh and Payton likely will be, and given the dire situation that the Broncos are facing, it makes sense that the next head coach may not only have a hand in personnel decisions but may also be a de-facto General Manager.

George Paton was hired before the new ownership group was in place, and according to Albert Breer, his current position may not be safe if the team were to be given some sort of ultimatum, as Breer reported.

With Paton’s job essentially not guaranteed when week one of 2023 kicks off, and the Broncos’ apparent interest in a name like Harbaugh or Payton, don’t be surprised if Greg Penner hands over significant General Manager duties to the new hire.

I’d venture to guess that all head coaches in the NFL, to some extent, get a say in personnel, but I am not sure how many coaches in the NFL are the de-facto GM.  I do think if Harbaugh or Payton were to be hired, they’d assume that role.

Being that they’re both Hall of Fame level coaches, they’ll need strong convincing to take a job in the NFL for 2023.

5 significant, noticeable differences from the Broncos without Hackett

The result was the same (a loss) but there were some notable and significant differences for the Denver Broncos in their first game post-Nathaniel Hackett.

Giving roster-making decisions could be one of many pieces of the puzzle.