Sean Payton considered Bill Belichick for Broncos head coaching role

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jul 7, 2026, 4:44 PM

Last updated Jul 7, 2026

Sean Payton considered Bill Belichick for Broncos head coaching role
Summary

Sean Payton contemplated temporarily stepping down as head coach of the Denver Broncos to allow Bill Belichick to take over after his departure from the New England Patriots in 2024. Reports indicate that Payton would have taken on an assistant role while Belichick pursued the 15 wins needed to break Don Shula's record. The relationship between Payton and Belichick, forged over decades of mutual respect, led to this idea, which ultimately was deemed too complicated to execute. Belichick currently coaches at North Carolina, and Payton has helped the Broncos become a competitive team in the AFC.

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What We Know
  • Payton considered stepping down for Belichick in 2024.
  • Belichick needed 15 wins to break Don Shula's record.
  • Payton and Belichick have a long-standing friendship.
  • Belichick is now coaching at North Carolina.
  • Payton has turned the Broncos into a strong AFC competitor.
Latest Updates
  • 4:44 PMYahoo SportsSean Payton reportedly considered giving HC job to Bill Belichick
What they're saying
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Sean Payton reportedly pitched stepping down temporarily for Bill Belichick to take over as the Denver Broncos head coach.

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