The Broncos’ coaching search likely has not gone to plan

DENVER, COLORADO - AUGUST 27: Greg Penner, CEO and member of the Denver Broncos ownership group, looks on before a game between the Denver Broncos and the Minnesota Vikings at Empower Field at Mile High on August 27, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - AUGUST 27: Greg Penner, CEO and member of the Denver Broncos ownership group, looks on before a game between the Denver Broncos and the Minnesota Vikings at Empower Field at Mile High on August 27, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
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Denver Broncos, Sean Payton
Aug 23, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton looks on during the second half against Jacksonville Jaguars at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Does Sean Payton really want this job?

The news with Sean Payton changes daily and that could be a bit troubling. He interviewed with the Broncos but is still willing to talk to other teams which makes you wonder what kind of games he could be playing.

Is he just fishing around for the best possible deal, or did he really hope that the Los Angeles Chargers would fire Brandon Staley or that Sean McVay would walk away from the Los Angeles Rams?

Those could easily have been the two jobs that Payton really wanted. If he really wanted to be in Denver, why isn’t he? Why hasn’t a deal already been reached? Why is the situation so strange?

Recently, I ranked Payton as most likely to get the job from the list of known candidates, but now it looks like it could be just as likely that he stays in his role on television and waits for the job he really wants, perhaps next season.

If the Broncos miss out on both Harbaugh and Peyton, things are going to get a lot less exciting for those in Broncos Country.

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