Sean Payton Reveals Whether He Would Have Stepped Aside For Bill Belichick

Sean Payton has revealed he briefly considered making one of the most remarkable coaching moves in NFL history by trying to lure Bill Belichick to the Denver Broncos.

The Broncos head coach, speaking exclusively to SportsBoom's Jason La Canfora, admitted the idea crossed his mind after Belichick left the New England Patriots following the 2023 season, but insists it was nothing more than a short-lived brainstorming session.

Payton's comments come after an ESPN feature detailed conversations from inside Denver's coaching staff during last season's playoff run, including a moment where he contemplated stepping aside as head coach to focus solely on the offense if it meant bringing Belichick to Denver.

While the possibility never developed beyond an internal discussion, Payton says his admiration for the legendary coach sparked the fleeting idea.

Payton Opens Up On Belichick Idea

"There was this moment where I was like, you know, I'd like to hire this guy," Payton told SportsBoom.

"I'm just a big fan of Bill's and I think our league's better when he's in it." 

"And he (ESPN reporter Seth Wickersham) hears all your thoughts, and obviously that lasted for about 10 minutes." 

"But it was just one of those ideas that, you know, sometimes you'll brainstorm something, and then you'll quickly move on." 

"But I've got a ton of respect for Bill. I think that much of him. And so it was just one of those crazy thoughts."

Despite the speculation generated by the ESPN report, Payton made it clear the concept never progressed beyond a passing thought, describing it as the kind of off-the-cuff idea coaches occasionally throw around before immediately moving on.

Broncos Already Undergoing Offensive Change

Although Belichick never entered the picture, Payton did oversee a significant shake-up to his coaching staff this offseason.

For the first time in his head coaching career, he handed over offensive play-calling responsibilities, promoting highly-rated assistant Davis Webb into the role as the Broncos continue preparing him for what many around the league believe could eventually be a head coaching opportunity.

The move also saw longtime confidant Joe Lombardi depart the organisation, creating the opportunity for Webb's increased responsibilities.

Denver heads into the new season among the leading Super Bowl contenders after falling agonisingly short of the big game last year, losing a tightly contested AFC Championship game to the New England Patriots with backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham forced into the starting role.