Broncos swing deal to land coach Payton
The Broncos agreed to a deal with the Saints that will make Sean Payton their coach, a person with knowledge of the accord said Tuesday.
The Broncos will send their firstround pick, No. 29 overall, in this year’s draft to the Saints along with their 2024 second-round pick. Denver will receive a 2024 third-round pick from the Saints.
Payton remained under contract with the Saints after stepping down last year and working in broadcasting this season.
“Great fan base. Great tradition,” Payton told a New Orleans reporter. “The ownership group is fantastic, and I love the way they competed last year. It’s a great football city like we had in New Orleans.”
Payton, 59, went 152-89 in 15 seasons with the Saints and 9-8 in the playoffs. He led New Orleans to a 31-17 victory against the Colts in the Super Bowl following the 2009 season. He stepped away last year when quarterback Drew Brees retired.
The Broncos, who went 5-12 in 2022 and extended their playoff drought to seven years, fired rookie coach Nathaniel Hackett on Dec. 26 after he went 4-11. Interim coach Jerry Rosburg went 1-1.
Payton’s top task will be to get quarterback Russell Wilson back to his winning ways after the 11year pro had his worst statistical season following his blockbuster trade from Seattle for four premium draft picks and three players.
Texans hire Ryans
DeMeco Ryans has been hired as coach of the Texans, giving him his first head-coaching job and bringing him back to the place where he started his playing career.
Ryans was with the 49ers, where he spent the last two seasons as their defensive coordinator.
He replaces Lovie Smith, who was fired after just one season where the team went 3-13-1.
Ryans issued a statement thanking the 49ers, coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch for his time in San Francisco before looking ahead to his future with the Texans.
“Being the head coach of the Houston Texans is my dream job and my family is thrilled to be back in H-Town,” Ryans said. “I have been around the game of football my entire life and I’ve always had a natural ability to lead others. I know what it takes to win and be successful in this league as both a player and coach. We’re going to build a program filled with players who have a special work ethic and relentless mindset.’’
Ryans led a 49ers defense that led the NFL this season by allowing just 300.6 yards a game.
San Francisco was particularly good against the run, ranking second in the league by holding teams to 77.7 yards. That’s a stark contrast to Houston’s run defense, which ranked last in the NFL by allowing 170.2 yards this season.
This and that
Quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence of the Jaguars, Tyler Huntley of the Ravens and Derek Carr of the Raiders were named to the Pro Bowl roster. The three originally named — Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen and Joe Burrow — and their alternates — Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert and Lamar Jackson — are all unable to participate.
The Falcons hired Packers’ defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator Jerry Gray as their assistant head coach for defense.