Is the buddy-buddy relationship between Payton and Wilson a problem?

The Broncos are almost done with their first round of interviews in the search for the team’s next head coach. DeMeco Ryans was No. 7 today, while Dan Quinn will round out the process tomorrow.

But before the initial wave has even come to a close, the team’s quarterback has made his choice known. According to Colin Cowherd of Fox Sports, the lobbying / recruiting is already in motion.

“Russell Wilson has contacted Sean — legally, by the way — through channels,” Cowherd said. “He wants Sean Payton. He needs fixing. He knows he needs fixing.”

On one hand, that’s a good thing. The quarterback and the head coach, especially if he’s also doubling as the offensive coordinator / play-caller, need to be on the same page. In addition, the self-awareness by Wilson that he needs to be “fixed” after a disastrous first season in Denver is also a positive.

But there is concern that the relationship between the head coach and the QB are too friendly. Coming off the mess that was Nathaniel Hackett and Wilson, having a head coach that is more of the boss than a peer seems to make sense.

On Thursday afternoon’s edition of “The Drive” on 104.3 The Fan, DMac asked Derek Wolfe whether it would be better for the head coach and quarterback to have father-son relationship than a buddy-buddy one?

“You don’t want buddy-buddy, that’s for sure,” the former Broncos defensive lineman said.”

That response led to a classic DMac rant.

“I hear this and I ask, ‘Is this our guy, Sean Payton?'” the co-host said. “Are you sure this is our guy?”

The two formed a relationship at the 2018 Pro Bowl. While that’s not a bad thing, it’s not necessarily seen as a good one, either.

“Was Russ calling Jim Caldwell?” DMac asked. “Was he calling Jim Harbaugh?”

It’s hard to find photos of those coaches hanging with Wilson.

#Saints head coach Sean Payton and the #Seahawks Russell Wilson heading into early prep for the Pro Bowl. pic.twitter.com/eg0UG2Aeot

— SaintsNOW (@SaintsNOW) January 28, 2018

Interesting convo with @SeanPayton and @DangeRussWilson on Wilson's “DangerTalk” podcast

Full interview: https://t.co/VhrHolzRBa #ProBowl #Saints pic.twitter.com/LhFiIOsMCq

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 29, 2018

The buddy-buddy nature of the relationship between Payton and Wilson has impacted who the hosts of “The Drive” think the Broncos should hire.

“We cannot have this buddy-buddy relationship between the head coach and Russell Wilson,” DMac said.

His co-host agreed.

“The two coaches who can avoid that are David Shaw and Dan Quinn,” Wolfe concluded.

***

Related

Broncos place reserve linebacker on injured list, sign a veteran safetyReport: Broncos sign veteran safety Taylor Rapp for additional depthThe results are already in: Jonah Coleman has earned his spotEngram has more confidence, old friend in his corner in second Broncos seasonBroncos have near consensus top offensive line in NFLThere are signs that the Broncos could have an effective running game