Broncos’ Coaching Carousel Signals Sean Payton’s Rising Influence Across the NFL
The Denver Broncos may be gearing up for a Super Bowl run, but their coaching staff is already winning in another arena: the NFL job market. Five members of Sean Payton’s staff have drawn serious interest from around the league for head coaching and coordinator positions-a clear sign that Payton’s impact in Denver is being felt far beyond the field.
Let’s be clear: when other teams start circling your assistants, it’s not just about the names on the resumes. It’s a reflection of the culture, the results, and the leadership at the top. And right now, Sean Payton’s stock as a program builder is soaring.
A Quick Turnaround in the Mile High City
It wasn’t long ago that the Broncos were a franchise in disarray. The 5-11 campaign under Nathaniel Hackett was a low point, marked by dysfunction and a lack of identity. But since Payton took over, it’s been a different story entirely.
In just his first season, the Broncos were competitive again-despite a rocky quarterback situation and a roster that still needed work. They came within a game of the playoffs with Russell Wilson under center, a pairing that never quite clicked.
Fast forward to this season, and Denver not only returned to the postseason for the first time in eight years, but they did it with a rookie quarterback. They even claimed the AFC’s top seed and came within four points of a Super Bowl berth.
That’s not just a turnaround. That’s a reboot of the franchise’s entire identity.
And it starts with Payton.
His leadership has reshaped the locker room dynamic. Players are playing for each other, not just alongside each other. There’s a visible buy-in, a sense of unity that’s trickled down from the top-from ownership to coaching staff to the players on the field.
It’s no coincidence that, under Payton, the Broncos have fielded one of the most consistent and dominant defenses in the league over the past two seasons. Winning games is one thing.
Building a sustainable, winning culture? That’s what turns assistant coaches into hot commodities.
Davis Webb in Line for a Big Step Up
Among the names drawing attention, Davis Webb has been one of the most talked about. The Broncos’ passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach interviewed for head coaching jobs with both the Raiders and the Bills. He later withdrew from the Raiders search, and Buffalo ultimately promoted Joe Brady to their top job on offense.
Still, Webb’s stock is clearly on the rise-and it’s no surprise that he’s now the frontrunner to take over as Denver’s offensive coordinator following the dismissal of Joe Lombardi. The Broncos have already completed interviews with two other candidates, but Webb’s intimate knowledge of the system and his role in developing rookie quarterback Bo Nix makes him a strong internal candidate.
Webb has been in the trenches with Nix since day one, guiding the young quarterback through the highs and lows of his first NFL season. Promoting him would offer continuity and reward the work he’s already put in.
Vance Joseph Drawing National Interest
Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has also been a hot name in head coaching circles. He’s interviewed with six different teams this cycle, though only the Cardinals remain without a head coach at this point. Despite the buzz, it sounds like Joseph may be staying put in Denver-at least for now.
Linebacker Jonathon Cooper may have let the cat out of the bag earlier this week, hinting to the media that Joseph is likely to remain with the Broncos. If that holds true, it’s a massive win for Denver. Joseph’s defense has been a nightmare for opposing offenses, and his recent success against Andy Reid’s Chiefs is no small feat.
Jim Leonhard Heads to Buffalo
One assistant who is on the move: Jim Leonhard. The Broncos’ defensive pass game coordinator had been in high demand, and after interviewing with both the Bills and Ravens for defensive coordinator roles, he’s heading to Buffalo.
Leonhard is a savvy hire for the Bills. He’s long been respected for his defensive IQ, and his ability to call plays was a major selling point.
In fact, new Ravens head coach Jesse Minter reportedly told Leonhard he could call plays in Baltimore if he joined their staff. That tells you how highly regarded he is.
For Buffalo, it’s a bit of a homecoming-Leonhard’s NFL playing career began there. Now he returns in a leadership role, bringing with him the experience and schematic knowledge he honed under Payton in Denver.
Pete Carmichael Joins Leonhard in Buffalo
Leonhard won’t be the only Broncos assistant heading to upstate New York. Pete Carmichael has also been hired by the Bills to serve as their offensive coordinator. That makes two Denver assistants poached by Buffalo, a team clearly looking to infuse its staff with some of the Broncos’ recent success.
Carmichael’s departure, like Leonhard’s, is a loss-but it’s also a testament to the quality of coaches Payton has assembled. And with three of the five assistants who interviewed for other jobs likely staying in Denver, it’s a case of controlled attrition.
The Big Picture for Denver
At the end of the day, this is the kind of problem every head coach wants to have. When your assistants are getting head coaching interviews and coordinator offers, it means your program is working. It means you’re developing not just players, but leaders.
Sean Payton’s coaching tree continues to grow, and yet he’s managing to retain key pieces of his staff. Davis Webb looks ready to step into a bigger role.
Vance Joseph, assuming he stays, remains a cornerstone of one of the league’s best defenses. And the culture Payton has built in Denver is proving to be both productive and contagious.
The Broncos aren’t just winning games-they’re building something sustainable. And the rest of the league is paying attention.