How Sean McVay’s Big Decision Impacts Denver Broncos’ Head-Coaching Search
The news rocked the NFL landscape on Friday, as Super Bowl-winning coach Sean McVay reportedly informed the Los Angeles Rams that he will remain with the team at that position. With speculation that McVay could leave this offseason and potentially pursue a television career, the return to Los Angeles will create ripples that will affect the entire NFL.
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One team that McVay’s decision could greatly affect is the Denver Broncos. With consistent internal reports that the Walton-Penner ownership group is looking to make a big move for the organization’s 20th head coach, McVay’s return to the Rams means one less team will be in the market for a head coach.
Not only is it a numbers game for the Broncos, but Sean Payton is potentially the team’s No. 1 coaching target, and he has been linked to the Rams in case a vacancy opens up there. Dating back to December, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Payton preferred to stay in Southern California and coach either the Rams or the Los Angeles Chargers. With McVay returning to the Rams in 2023, that leaves one less team on Payton’s shortlist this offseason.
There will still be competition for Payton as there is speculation that the Arizona Cardinals and working with quarterback Kyler Murray could lure him. Additionally, two teams currently in the playoffs — the Chargers and Dallas Cowboys — could find themselves looking for a new head coach if things break down a certain way on Wildcard Weekend.
With Chargers head coach Brandon Staley’s absolutely mind-boggling decision to play his starters in a meaningless season finale resulting in a possible season-ending injury to starter Mike Williams, there is a chance he could be released if the Chargers lose to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Also, it wouldn’t shock anyone if Cowboys owner Jerry Jones ditched head coach Mike McCarthy in order to hire Payton if the team falls short against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this weekend. Payton was the assistant coach and offensive coordinator for the Cowboys from 2003-05.
The Broncos’ next coach is likely to be revealed in less than a week. With a number of interesting and quality coaches interviewed or slated to be interviewed, the final decision of the new ownership group is anyone’s guess. However, for those Broncos fans looking for the most famous coach on the market (Payton), McVay’s return to the Rams can only be seen as good news for Denver’s chances of re-signing the former New Orleans Saints coach.
The Broncos are said to be the “baker” for Payton and will interview him in person on Tuesday, January 17th.
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