Broncos’ pursuit of Sean Payton may have taken a big hit

The Denver Broncos have conducted several interviews for their vacant head coaching position, but they are still waiting to sit down with the big fish, Sean Payton, on their list of candidates.

The Broncos are going to have an interview with Sean Payton on Tuesday and to this point, they are considered by many to be the frontrunners to land the coveted head coach. But those odds may be slightly different considering the result of one of Saturday’s Wild Card playoff games.

When the Los Angeles Chargers gave up a 27-0 lead against the Jacksonville Jaguars and ultimately lost the game 31-30, head coach Brandon Staley’s seat became burning hot.

It was already quite warm going into the game due to some curious decisions he has made as the team’s head coach, decisions that date back to last year.

Some questionable decisions to go for it on fourth down combined with a head-scratching time out called during the season finale against the Las Vegas Raiders last season had many wondering if he was the right guy for the job.

Then last week, in a meaningless game against the Broncos, he had his starters playing deep into the game. Wide receiver Mike Williams suffered a back injury during that contest, had to be carted off, and was unavailable in the playoff game against Jacksonville.

Many are now calling for the firing of Staley and it is becoming more than an expectation following a brutal loss.

How does Payton fit into this? Well if you can recall, when the rumors of Payton returning to the sidelines began heating up, the team he was quickly connected to was the Chargers as there is said to be interest on his part for the job.

And that makes sense.

In Los Angeles, Payton would be getting one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in all of football in Justin Herbert. The team also has several great players on the roster including Austin Ekeler, Joey Bosa, Derwin James, Keenan Allen and Khalil Mack.

Beyond that, Payton was born in California.

There’s a lot to like there.

In addition, the Chargers would have more to offer the New Orleans Saints in compensation in order to complete the transaction for Payton, at least in terms of draft capital.

So while the Broncos may have Payton at the top of their list and are eager to interview him, they may be competing with a team in their own division to actually make it happen.