Sean Payton has officially stepped into the role of head coach for the Denver Broncos after a notable career in the NFL. He was hired in February 2023 on a five-year contract estimated at approximately $18 million annually. This deal positions Payton among the highest-paid coaches in the league as he embarks on a new chapter, aiming to revitalize the Broncos’ performance and return them to playoff contention.
Payton’s journey began in 2000 as the offensive coordinator for the New York Giants, but it was his tenure with the New Orleans Saints that solidified his reputation. Hired in 2006, Payton led the Saints to a Super Bowl victory just three seasons later. He continued to coach the team for 11 seasons, including a suspension in 2012. After stepping down from the Saints in 2022, Payton took a year off to serve as a studio analyst for Fox, filling in primarily for Jimmie Johnson.
During this brief hiatus, Payton interviewed for several head coaching positions, ultimately leading to his trade to the Broncos. This move followed the acquisition of quarterback Russell Wilson, who the Broncos had hoped would bolster their chances in the AFC.
Contract Details and Ranking Among NFL Coaches
Payton’s contract with the Broncos extends through 2027, making it one of the most lucrative in the league. As the NFL approaches the 2025 season, Payton ranks second among the highest-paid head coaches, behind only Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs, who commands $20 million annually. The current landscape of head coach salaries is as follows:
– 1. Andy Reid, KC: $20 million
– 2. Sean Payton, DEN: $18 million
– 3. Jim Harbaugh, LAC: $16 million
– T-4. Sean McVay, LAR: $15 million
– T-4. Nick Sirianni, PHI: $15 million
– T-6. Kyle Shanahan, SF: $14 million
– T-6. Mike Vrabel, NE: $14 million
– T-8. Ben Johnson, CHI: $13 million
– T-8. Kevin O’Connell, MIN: $13 million
These figures highlight the financial commitment the Broncos have made to ensure Payton’s leadership.
Trade Dynamics and Impact
The trade that brought Payton to Denver is significant, marking only one of eight notable head coach trades in NFL history. The first instance occurred in 1970, when Don Shula was traded from the Miami Dolphins to the Baltimore Colts. Other notable trades include Bruce Arians from the Cardinals to the Buccaneers and Jon Gruden from the Raiders to the Buccaneers.
When Payton resigned from the Saints, he remained under contract, allowing the Saints to maintain his coaching rights. In exchange for these rights, the Broncos sent their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and a second-round pick in 2024 to New Orleans. These selections were utilized to draft defensive tackle Bryan Bresee from Clemson and cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry from Alabama. Additionally, the Broncos acquired a 2024 third-round pick, which they used to select Jonah Eliss from Utah.
As the NFL season progresses, Payton’s impact on the Broncos and his ranking among the league’s elite coaches will be closely monitored. His experience and previous success with the Saints will be pivotal as he seeks to restore the Broncos to their former glory.
