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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Broncos have chosen a proven winner as their next head coach.
Denver has officially named Super Bowl XLIV champion Sean Payton as the 20th head coach in franchise history, Owner & CEO Greg Penner announced Friday.
In exchange for Payton being released from his contract with the Saints, Denver and New Orleans have agreed to exchange draft compensation. The veteran coach remained under contract with New Orleans when he retired ahead of the 2022 season.
"Sean Payton is an outstanding leader and Super Bowl champion with a brilliant offensive mind," Penner said in a statement. "He shares our commitment to winning championships for Broncos Country and we're excited to welcome him as our new head coach.
"Sean knows how to build a championship culture with high expectations. He coaches with intensity and attention-to-detail while setting and maintaining high standards. Sean pours his heart and soul into winning with preparation, creativity and a genuine love of the game.
Payton won a Super Bowl with the Saints back in 2009 with Drew Brees at quarterback. Payton will now attempt to do the same, this time with another less-than-prototypical-sized quarterback in the age-34 Russell Wilson.
On the heels of the Payton hire, former two-time Super Bowl-winning Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan weighed in on the team's new hire, courtesy of 9NEWS' Mike Klis.Â
"EIU Panther, that's all you need to say! He will be able to adjust his offense and defense to the talents of his players! I believe he's a natural leader as well. That's already been proven," Shanahan said via Klis on Twitter.Â
