Sean Payton Sends Clear Message to Broncos Assistant Coaches Interviewing During Playoffs

Sean Payton didn’t dodge the reality facing his coaching staff during Denver’s playoff bye week. 

As Zac Stevens noted on X, he leaned into it and delivered a message of confidence, gratitude, and belief in his staff. 

“We’ve had quite a bit of interest with guys on our staff,” Payton said this week. “It’s deserved.” 

Rather than framing the interviews as a distraction, Payton made it clear he views them as validation. 

With the Broncos sitting at 14-3 and holding the No. 1 seed, Payton credited his assistants for building a culture that’s now drawing league-wide attention. 

“It means we’ve done a good job of hiring the right people,” Payton said. 

“I want to see them realize their dreams.” 

 

Payton went a step further, telling his assistants he’s fully behind them,  even offering to help in any way with their interview processes. 

“You have to have a chance,” he said. “I’ve got a tremendous group of teachers.” 

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Broncos Assistants Drawing League-Wide Interest

That group includes several key members of Payton’s staff who have recently taken interviews. 

Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi, and quarterbacks coach Davis Webb have all drawn interest for various coaching roles around the league.

Payton showed his supreme confidence when asked about Joseph on Friday. 

“He’s going to be successful,” Payton said, adding that Joseph’s leadership and growth continue to stand out. 

Joseph’s efforts helped Denver finish the 2025 regular season ranked among the NFL’s top three defenses in points allowed, total yards allowed, and sacks.

Webb has also gained attention because of his impact on Bo Nix’s development. 

On the other hand, Rizzi is getting  interview looks as the Broncos are one of the best special teams units in the league. 

Payton also reflected on his own decision to join Denver a few years ago, saying he believed he “had a chance” with the Broncos. 

This belief is now echoed in his staff’s opportunities. 

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Payton Locked in on Playoffs 

While praising his coaches, Payton made it clear the Broncos are still very focused on what’s ahead of them. 

He emphasized the Broncos have been focusing on the offense this week after a poor performance in Week 18 vs. Chargers:

“We’re going to have to play better,” Payton said. “I’d love to take that excuse, but we’ll have to be better.”

Denver held what Payton described as an “OTA-type practice” this week, featuring competitive offense vs. defense work. 

Payton emphasized his reliance on his veteran leaders to stay focused on the week off. 

The plan is to repeat that approach again, keeping the edge sharp while the team waits to learn its Divisional Round opponent. 

Payton said he’ll be working through each potential matchup on Sunday while watching the playoff games unfold as he prepares for whoever Denver draws next.

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