Sean Payton’s journey through the NFL has been anything but ordinary. A seasoned offensive mind with a Super Bowl ring and a reputation for innovation, Payton’s coaching career spans over two decades-and it’s still going strong in Denver.
Let’s rewind. Payton’s NFL rise began in earnest in 2000, when he took over as the offensive coordinator for the New York Giants.
For three seasons, he helped shape an offense that laid the groundwork for his future as a head coach. But it wasn’t until 2006 that his name became synonymous with one franchise: the New Orleans Saints.
That year, the Saints took a chance on Payton as their head coach-and it didn’t take long for that gamble to pay off. Just three seasons into his tenure, Payton led New Orleans to its first and only Super Bowl title, a crowning achievement that cemented his place in franchise history. He remained at the helm for 11 more seasons, a stretch that included a one-year suspension in 2012 but also plenty of playoff runs and offensive fireworks.
In 2022, Payton stepped away from coaching. But this wasn’t a farewell-it was more of a pit stop.
He spent a year with Fox Sports as a studio analyst, filling in for Jimmie Johnson on occasion. Notably, he never took on a full broadcast role or stepped into the booth.
His time in the studio felt like a brief intermission before Act II.
Behind the scenes, Payton was already eyeing his return. During that year off, he began interviewing for head coaching jobs.
And in 2023, the Denver Broncos made their move. The team had already made headlines by acquiring quarterback Russell Wilson, hoping to reignite their offense and return to AFC contention.
To complete the overhaul, they swung a deal with the Saints to acquire Payton’s coaching rights-yes, a rare head coach trade.
Payton’s arrival in Denver came with a hefty price tag. The Broncos sent a 2023 first-round pick and a 2024 second-rounder to New Orleans.
The Saints turned those picks into defensive tackle Bryan Bresee from Clemson and cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry out of Alabama-two high-upside defenders who could shape their future. In return, Denver also received a 2024 third-round pick from New Orleans, which they used on edge rusher Jonah Elliss out of Utah.
But the trade was just part of the equation. Once Payton officially joined the Broncos, he signed a five-year deal in February 2023 that runs through the 2027 season. That contract is reportedly worth around $18 million annually, placing him among the NFL’s highest-paid head coaches.
Here’s how the top of that list looked heading into the 2025 season:
- Andy Reid (Chiefs) - $20 million
- Sean Payton (Broncos) - $18 million
- Jim Harbaugh (Chargers) - $16 million
T-4. Sean McVay (Rams) - $15 million
T-4. Nick Sirianni (Eagles) - $15 million
T-6. Kyle Shanahan (49ers) - $14 million
T-6. Mike Vrabel (Patriots) - $14 million
T-8. Ben Johnson (Bears) - $13 million
T-8. Kevin O’Connell (Vikings) - $13 million
That’s elite company-and a clear sign of how much the Broncos value Payton’s leadership and vision.
Trading for a head coach isn’t something you see every day, but it’s not without precedent. The NFL has seen a handful of notable coach trades over the years.
Don Shula was the first, back in 1970, when he moved from the Colts to the Dolphins. Others include Bruce Arians (Cardinals to Buccaneers), Herm Edwards (Jets to Chiefs), and Jon Gruden (Raiders to Buccaneers).
Payton now joins that exclusive club, and he does so with the weight of expectation in Denver. The Broncos didn’t just bring him in to stabilize the ship-they’re banking on him to steer it back into contention. With a proven track record, a sharp offensive mind, and a front office willing to invest in his vision, Payton’s second act in the NFL is already one of the league’s most intriguing storylines.