The Denver Broncos have reportedly found their new head coach, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The Broncos are finalizing trade compensation for Sean Payton, who was most recently in New Orleans. Sources say the Saints will get the Bronco’s first-round pick in 2023 along with a second-rounder in 2024 to acquire the rights to hire Payton.
The #Broncos will send a first-round pick in 2023 and early pick next year, sources say. The deal has been agreed to. https://t.co/Lw9O9MQV0k
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 31, 2023
Payton has been absent from the NFL for a year but is still under contract with New Orleans, which is why a trade needs to take place. The Broncos do get something else out of the deal. They secured a 2024 third-round pick from the Saints as well.
Payton becomes Denver’s 20th head coach in franchise history. Terms of the deal between the Broncos and Payton were not disclosed. Payton did tell the New Orleans Times-Picayune that he’s looking forward to his new adventure in Denver.
“Great fanbase. Great tradition. The ownership group is fantastic, and I love the way they competed last year. It’s a great football city like we had in New Orleans.”
Payton finished with a 152-89 record (.631 winning percentage) and a 9-8 record in the playoffs with the Saints.