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The Denver Broncos parted ways with coach Nathanial Hackett last month after a disastrous debut season. Their search for a new coach isn't going smoothly, either.
Former New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton and San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans have also entered the frame.
According to reports, Payton met with the Arizona Cardinals organization this week. The meeting went well, but the 59-year-old is undecided on whether he will return to coaching or continue with Fox.
Payton led the Saints to victory in the Super Bowl in 2010. After being suspended by the NFL, he then took up the role as the offensive coordinator at Liberty Christian School in 2012 before returning to New Orleans the following year. He remained as the Saints' coach until 2021 and is now pondering a return to coaching.
Meanwhile, Ryans is now considered as the favorite to land the job in Denver. The former NFL star is set to meet with the franchise next week about the job, and there is mutual interest.
Ryans has been the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers over the past two seasons. He was promoted after his impressive work as the team's inside linebackers coach.
Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and former Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell were also identified by Denver as potential candidates. However, Quinn removed himself from consideration in order to stay in Dallas.
How did the Denver Broncos fare this season?
The Denver Broncos had a disastrous 2022 season as they finished fourth in the AFC West with a 5-12 record. They had high expectations after landing quarterback Russell Wilson in the offseason. However, the nine-time Pro Bowler struggled throughout the campaign.
Denver sat at 4-11 following a 51-14 Christmas Day loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The following day, they fired Nathaniel Hackett. He was replaced by interim head coach Jerry Rosburg.
The Broncos' coaching search is winding down slowly but surely. However, they will need to avoid unwanted attention to narrow down their finalists.
