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3 names who could become Sean Payton’s defensive coordinator in 2023

By Jack Ramsey

Denver Broncos; Seattle Seahawks associate head coach - defense Sean Desai before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos; Seattle Seahawks associate head coach - defense Sean Desai before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sean Payton, Denver Broncos
Nov 29, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive backs coach Kris Richard on the sidelines during the game against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Kris Richards could join Sean Payton’s Broncos staff

Richards is another young and interesting name in this search. His entire résumé comes with experience with defensive backs, as he spent 2010-2021 as either a defensive backs coach, secondary coach, or defensive coordinator.

Richard, 44, has four seasons as a defensive coordinator under his belt. He was at the helm of the Seahawks’ group from 2015-2017, and spent the years before that working on the Legion of Boom’s secondary. His Saints defense last season finished as the 5th ranked group by yards allowed and 9th by points scored. While he was a co-defensive coordinator with Ryan Nielsen, the results were still impressive. The secondary was second in yards allowed and third in touchdowns allowed, a group that Richards worked with closely.

So, why would he join the Broncos? Well, for one, he did not renew his contract with the Saints. He is now a free agent to go wherever. He only has one season of overlap with Sean Payton, in 2021, but that might just be enough to get him in the door in Denver. His body of work in the NFL is an impressive one, and his work and history with defensive backs would make him a popular choice in the Mile High City, where the Broncos seem to boast one of the league’s best secondaries year in and year out.

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