Sean Payton is in place as the new head coach of the Broncos, after he was routinely named as the top candidate in this year’s coaching cycle. His move away from broadcasting was highly anticipated, but also involved an interesting element which he revealed recently. 
When speaking to Adam Schein of SiriusXM, Payton revealed that he drew head coach consideration from certain prospective Commanders owners. A sale in Washington is not guaranteed to take place, but the process is currently being considered with owner Dan Snyder facing increased pressure to separate himself from the league.
“Everyone’s waiting to see what happens in Washington,” Payton said (video link via The Athletic’s Ben Standig). “And there was some interest from some potential ownership groups that are gonna be bidding on, currently had bid on that team, that were getting ahead of the game saying, ‘Hey, if we get awarded this team, would you?’ And so there were a lot of different things at play.”
Prior to his Super-Bowl winning stint in New Orleans, Payton spent time with each of the other three franchises in the NFC East, so he has a high degree of familiarity with Washington. The list of potential new Commanders owners has not been fully established, but is expected to include Jeff Bezos and several runners-up to buy the Broncos last offseason.
The Rob Walton-led group purchased Payton’s new employer, which will pay him at least $18MM per season to lead them from the sidelines. That price was driven by a number of factors, including his acclaim as a coach, the considerable interest shown from other HC-needy teams and Payton’s stated willingness to remain as a FOX broadcaster for the 2023 season.
Of note regarding Payton’s remarks, of course, is the fact that Washington is not one of the teams which recently hired a new head coach or is currently looking for one. Ron Rivera remains in place as the team’s bench boss, having coached in the nation’s capital since 2020. He could be a hot seat candidate heading into 2023, given his 22-27-1 record over three years, but he is currently moving ahead with the support of the front office. This offseason includes a number of key questions for the Commanders, including decisions at the quarterback position and with respect to a number of key free agents.
The Payton pursuit is a moot point regardless of who – if anyone – purchases the Commanders in the near future, given his Broncos hire. His comments are nevertheless a further example of the interest he generated and the desire certain potential new owners would have to make significant changes to the coaching staff upon arrival.
What’s pathetic is the behavior of people, rich or celebrity or politico or CEO, that look at ‘workers’ as another human to ‘use or humiliate’ for amusement.
Not only should they lose position they should be shamed publicly and financially
Payton is an ego maniac. Just shut up about everyone that wants you. You’ve won 1 Super Bowl. Get over yourself. Get to work to fix your starting QB. It’s going to take awhile.
I think we can confidently call BS on this latest rant by Payton. The idea that a “prospective ownership group” would recruit a coach before there’s any indication that the team is officially on the selling block is ludicrous.
Not only that but true or not, he classlessly threw Rivera under the bus. The guy’s an ‘I burger with me sauce’.
Been following the Skins, err Commanders, for decades including all of Dan’s tenure as owner. I’m a fanatic. I’ve never quit on them. Hmmm. Hope I’m wrong. New ownership long overdue, but I smell an Arte Moreno “move” (or lack of one) by Dan here.
Bench boss is not a term that applies to football.