Sean Payton openly discusses speaking with Broncos owners on FOX

Sean Payton isn’t hiding from the interest the Denver Broncos are showing in him.

There was a lot of news on Saturday about Payton potentially becoming the franchise’s next head coach. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Broncos received permission to interview Payton for the gig. Later, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said the Saints want a “first-round pick and more” in a potential trade.

On Sunday morning, Payton appeared on his regular FOX pregame show, and to everyone’s credit, spoke openly about the situation.

Payton said he has two years left on his contract with New Orleans, and confirmed any team that wants to speak with him must receive permission from the Saints. Compensation is also required, as we know. Payton said the Broncos are in the mix.

“Denver’s the first team. I was able to have a conversation with their owner. That’s kind of the protocol. The interview process can’t officially begin until the 17th of this month, so that’s really where it’s at,” Payton said.

By owner, one has to assume Payton meant Broncos CEO Greg Penner. He’s the point man of the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group (WPFOG). Payton added no teams are off the board and that quarterback isn’t necessarily the most important factor.

“I think that’s it’s really about the triangular relationship. Ownership, front office, head coach. When we went to New Orleans, the quarterback was unsettled at that time. I think ownership and the functionality of the front office is the most important,” Payton said.

That’s an interesting response, considering the question was specifically about Broncos QB Russell Wilson. You can watch the full segment with Payton below.

Yesterday, the Broncos reached out to the Saints to inquire about their former HC Sean Payton.@SeanPayton discusses the situation and his possible return to the NFL ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/XDr7HADIUT

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 8, 2023

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