The hiring of Sean Payton for the Denver Broncos signaled two things — the need for a championship culture to happen for the organization soon and also a proven head coach who can get Russell Wilson back on track.
Although Payton has not coached a single down for Denver, his pedigree landed him sixth on Pro Football Talk’s top ten coach rankings for 2023.
Famed NFL writer Mike Florio detailed why Payton was selected for this list and the challenge the future Hall of Famer faces this season.
“That’s the challenge for Payton in 2023, the thing that will cement his status or jeopardize it,” Florio wrote on PFT. “Then again, if Wilson doesn’t improve this year, chances are Payton won’t be blamed. Chances are, if he doesn’t improve this year, Wilson will be gone for 2024, given the guarantee structure in his contract. And Payton will have a new quarterback.”
During Payton’s time as the head coach for the New Orleans Saints, he compiled a record of 152-89 during 15 seasons. He also added a Super Bowl victory for the 2009 season, and ten winning seasons. With building a championship culture as an area of expertise, a lot is expected for Paytin this season.
“Can Payton salvage Wilson? The coach’s history suggests that he can,” Florio wrote. “That he’ll figure out how to play to Wilson’s strengths, how to do the things Wilson does well. How to avoid asking Wilson to do the things he doesn’t do well. How to put quality help around him, including an improved offensive line.”
Many fans and pundits expect Wilson to have a bounce-back season under Payton. With training camp around the corner, the world will soon see if Payton can live up to the expectations.
