Broncos Agree to Acquire Sean Payton as Head Coach, Texans Go With DeMeco Ryans
Within minutes of one another Tuesday afternoon, the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans reached agreements with their new head coaches. Former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton will take over in Denver, while DeMeco Ryans will grab the reins in Houston.
To acquire Payton’s rights from New Orleans, Denver swapped its first-round pick in this year’s NFL draft and a second-round choice in the next. The Broncos also receive the Saints’ 2024 third-round selection.
Factoring in their trade for quarterback Russell Wilson last March, Denver has shipped off three picks in both the first and second rounds, along with other assets. They’ll hope that bringing in such an offensive mind will return Wilson to form, as the team went 5-12 and finished in the cellar of the AFC West this go-round.
Ian Rapoport reported that the Broncos tried to woo Ryans once more before moving on and locking up Sean Payton.
Unbelievable: The #Broncos spent today trying to hire DeMeco Ryans AGAIN today before he recommitted to the #Texans, sources say. When he agreed to terms with the Texans, they moved and finalized Sean Payton.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 31, 2023
Having played linebacker for Houston from 2006 through 2011, Ryans returns to the Texans after six years on San Francisco’s coaching staff, including the last two as the team’s defensive coordinator.
Indianapolis and Arizona are still searching for their next head coaches. The Cardinals have interviewed Pittsburgh Steelers senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach Brian Flores, but are also considering other candidates.
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