The Denver Broncos’ new coach could be among the highest-paid in the league.
Sean Payton was formally introduced as the Broncos’ head coach on Monday, and his contract is estimated to be between $17 million and $20 million per season, with NBC Sports specifying it’s at least a five-year deal “in the neighborhood of” $18 million per season.
- Payton, who spent 2022 as an analyst on Fox Sports, was looking for $20 million to $25 million, according to ProFootballTalk.
- The Broncos had to trade for Payton, as he was still under contract with the New Orleans Saints, where he coached from 2006-21.
If Payton were able to reach the $20 million marker, he would match New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick — reportedly the highest-paid NFL coach.
The team was sold last year for $4.65 billion to a group led by Walmart heir Rob Walton, the most ever paid for a North American sports franchise.
Payton’s Plan
The Broncos ended the season in the AFC West cellar with a 5-12 record and had the fewest points in the league — despite signing Russell Wilson to a contract extension reportedly worth $245 million over five years with the second-most guaranteed money in NFL history.
“I know he’s an extremely hard worker,” Payton said about Wilson. “That’s important. And I think you take that skill set, he’s won a lot of games in Seattle … then you go from there.”
