Sean Payton Reveals True Reason for Giving Up Play-Calling to Davis Webb

Sean Payton did not hesitate when explaining why he is handing over full-time offensive play-calling duties to Davis Webb in 2026.

Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show live from the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on Thursday, the Denver Broncos head coach explained his decision.

“Davis Webb is one of those few players who came right from playing to coaching,” Payton said. “After we interviewed him, I told George Paton we can’t let him leave the building. Called the driver and we hired him right there. He’s gonna be one of those guys.”

That level of urgency speaks volumes.

Payton, who has called plays for nearly his entire 18-season head coaching career, described Webb as “extremely talented” and “gifted” as a play-caller. The 62-year-old coach emphasized that he would not be making this decision if he did not believe it directly improved the Broncos’ chances of winning.

“It’s not on your timeline,” Payton said, referencing Webb’s rapid rise. “He is rising quick. It’s a young man’s league. I’m excited for him.”

The move lets Payton step back from the call sheet and focus more on the bigger picture while Davis Webb handles the game-day play-calling duties.

Payton Believes Webb’s ‘Gift’ Can Elevate Broncos Offense

Payton pointed to what he saw from Webb’s schematic feel last season as a major factor in the decision.

The Broncos’ offense is aiming to become faster and more efficient in 2026, and Payton believes Webb’s instincts can help unlock another level.

This doesn’t mean Payton is stepping aside completely.

“I’ll still be involved,” Payton said, emphasizing that he will remain active in game planning and key situational decisions.

The day-to-day structure and in-game rhythm, however, will now run through Webb.

Around the NFL, Sean Payton has long carried a reputation as confident, demanding, and deeply involved in every detail, especially on offense.

He has always been considered one of the game’s sharpest play-callers. For him to willingly hand over that control speaks volumes.

This decision shows just how much Payton trusts Davis Webb to lead the offense.

Combine Interview Reveals Bigger Picture for Broncos

Beyond Webb, Payton touched on several key topics during the 17-minute interview with McAfee.

He expressed confidence in Denver’s improved salary cap position and excitement about another incoming draft class.

“We’re in a much better position cap-wise now,” Payton said. “Young and naive can be dangerous sometimes… when you have one of those teams and they get this type of experience, you get excited about coming back.”

He also addressed quarterback Bo Nix’s ankle injury, calling the moment “surreal” and “numbing,” especially after a playoff win.

Additionally, Payton revealed he has adjusted the Broncos’ offseason program, pushing back start dates to give players a mental reset before ramping up OTAs in June.

But the biggest takeaway from Thursday’s interview is how much belief Payton has in Webb.

Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Sean Payton Reveals True Reason for Giving Up Play-Calling to Davis Webb appeared first on Heavy Sports.