In a surprising turn of events, the Denver Broncos have announced the departure of head coach Sean Payton, effective immediately. This decision comes on the heels of a challenging season that failed to meet the organization’s high expectations. The Broncos’ management has expressed a desire to move in a new direction, aiming to revitalize the team’s performance and restore its competitive edge in the league.
Sean Payton, who joined the Broncos in 2023 after a successful tenure with the New Orleans Saints, was expected to bring his offensive prowess and leadership to Denver. However, the team’s performance under his guidance did not align with the anticipated outcomes, leading to this unexpected coaching change.
In the interim, the Broncos have appointed Darren Rizzi as the acting head coach. Rizzi, who was recently hired as the special teams coordinator and assistant head coach on February 14, 2025, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Prior to joining the Broncos, Rizzi served as the interim head coach for the New Orleans Saints during the 2024 season, stepping in after the mid-season departure of Dennis Allen. His familiarity with the team’s dynamics and his previous head coaching experience make him a suitable choice to lead the Broncos during this transitional period.
As the Broncos embark on the search for a permanent head coach, several candidates have emerged as potential successors to Payton. Here are some of the top prospects:
1. Ejiro Evero
Ejiro Evero currently serves as the defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers. With a coaching career that spans multiple teams, including the San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers, and Los Angeles Rams, Evero has developed a reputation for his defensive acumen. His previous stint with the Broncos as defensive coordinator in 2022 showcased his ability to elevate defensive performance, making him a strong contender for the head coaching position.
2. Pete Carmichael Jr.
Pete Carmichael Jr. is the senior offensive assistant for the Broncos, having joined the team in February 2024. Before his tenure in Denver, Carmichael spent 18 seasons with the New Orleans Saints, 15 of which were as the offensive coordinator. His long-standing collaboration with Sean Payton and his deep understanding of offensive strategies could provide the continuity and innovation the Broncos seek in their next head coach.
3. Darren Rizzi
While currently serving as the interim head coach, Darren Rizzi is also a viable candidate for the permanent role. His extensive coaching background includes positions with the Miami Dolphins and New Orleans Saints, where he demonstrated leadership and a knack for improving special teams performance. Rizzi’s familiarity with the Broncos’ current roster and organizational culture positions him as a strong internal candidate.
The Broncos’ front office has emphasized the importance of a thorough and deliberate search process to identify the best fit for the team’s future. General Manager George Paton stated, “We are committed to finding a head coach who shares our vision for success and can lead this team to new heights. Our search will be comprehensive, and we will consider all qualified candidates.”
This coaching change marks a pivotal moment for the Denver Broncos as they strive to reestablish themselves as a dominant force in the NFL. The upcoming decision will not only impact the team’s immediate future but also set the tone for seasons to come. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring the situation, eager to see who will take the helm and guide the Broncos toward renewed success.
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