Sean Payton says he’ll give Davis Webb ‘some suggestions, some mandates’

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton gave up something big this offseason.

He’s no longer calling plays, instead turning that over to 31-year-old Davis Webb.

Webb is Denver’s new offensive coordinator after Payton fired Joe Lombardi once the Broncos came up short in the AFC Title Game. Webb had looks to be an offensive coordinator (or head coach) elsewhere, but Payton was able to convince him to stay in Denver.

And a big reason why could be the ability to call plays. But naturally, many wonder if the 62-year-old Sean Payton could take back those duties if Denver starts slow in 2026. They have a brutal first six games of the season and a tough final three as well.

On Monday, Payton was asked if he’ll interject a lot with Webb’s decisions when calling plays.

“I’m sure in a healthy way, this is gonna work,” Payton said.

He then had some back-and-forth with the local media and was eventually asked if he’ll be in Webb’s ear.

“Some suggestions, some mandates,” Sean Payton said with a laugh.

Sean Payton confirms he’ll still have a call-sheet on the sidelines. Asked him if he’ll be in Davis Webb’s ear sometimes suggesting plays.

Payton: “Some suggestions.”

Paused.

“Some mandates.” pic.twitter.com/Z2Ub3WyHdy

— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) August 3, 2026

While it’s all fun and games right now, Payton didn’t exactly dispel the notion he won’t be looking over Webb’s shoulder. It’s one thing to give up play calling, it’s another to let Webb have complete control of the Broncos offense.

Outside of the health of Nix’s ankles after two offseason surgeries, how the transition from Payton to Webb works is going to be the story of the year. If it’s seamless, the Broncos might win the Super Bowl and Webb could be a head coach with a different NFL team in 2027.

If it’s clunky, Sean Payton might become the play-caller again and Webb’s stock would take a major hit.

It’s only early August, but this is a big thing to monitor over the next 6.5 months.

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