Sean Payton Wanted Joe Brady for Broncos OC, Possibly Play Calling

Yesterday, the Denver Broncos fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, as well as WRs coach Keary Colbert and CBs coach Addison Lynch.

That seemed to open the door for Davis Webb to become the team's new offensive coordinator. And lots of fans are wondering if Payton will give up his play calling duties if Webb is the new OC.

But according to Ian Rapoport, Sean Payton actually wanted Joe Brady for Denver's next offensive coordinator.

Sean Payton Wanted Joe Brady for Broncos OC

Joe Brady was promoted by the Buffalo Bills, from offensive coordinator to head coach, on Tuesday. Of note, Brady coached under Payton in New Orleans from 2017-2018.

After Brady was promoted, Payton fired Lombardi. It seemed to open the door for Davis Webb, the Denver Broncos passing game coordinator / QBs coach, to step into the coordinator role.

Webb just finished his second interview with the Las Vegas Raiders for their head coaching opening on Tuesday, then Rapoport dropped the Brady bomb on Tuesday night.

It's hard to say what's the bigger part of the new Rapoport reported:

• That Webb would've been passed over by Payton for Brady
• Or that Payton would "possibly" give Joe Brady play calling duties

Following Lombardi's firing on Tuesday, many in Broncos Country immediately started wondering aloud if Payton would give up those play calling duties to Webb. Because Webb was considered "the guy" to take the position over.

Fans are hoping that Payton—who was an extremely frustrating play caller at times in 2025—gives up play calling to someone younger. And that it leads to a more exciting offense rather than one that relies on screens and other passes at or even behind the line of scrimmage.

Not only that, but Payton fumbled the bag badly in the AFC Championship Game. He should've kicked the field goal to go up 10-0 in the second quarter, but instead not only went for it on 4th-and-1, but called a rollout pass with a backup QB that failed miserably.

Sean Payton Should’ve Kicked the Field Goal, Denver Broncos Lose 10-7

Sean Payton should’ve kicked the field goal in the second quarter, extending Denver’s lead to 10-0. Instead, he went for it on 4th down on a pass play, and turned it over.

Broncos BlitzRich Kurtzman

It all depends on who Rapoport's source was on the Brady news. One can imagine it was from Brady/his agent.

If that's the case, it seems like Payton may have tried to lure the Bills OC-turned-HC to Denver with play calling included. Or, maybe Brady made the condition that he would only consider the job with the Broncos if it included play calling.

What does this mean for Davis Webb?

Webb is still in the running for the Las Vegas head coaching position, and he also has interview requests from the Eagles, Ravens, and Giants to be their offensive coordinator.

And while it seems like all this interest forced Payton's hand in firing Lombardi, Parker Gabriel of the Denver Post says the moves were not related. Lombardi was getting fired, no matter how hot a commodity Webb has become.

Payton knew his offense needed a change. Lombardi is now gone, leaving the void at OC and WRs coach.

Webb makes a lot of sense to fill that void, but a complete search is coming next, which could take multiple weeks to play out.

Given the news from Rapoport, could Webb use that to leverage staying with play calling duties? It's possible.

Will Webb take Payton's wanting Brady as OC as a slight?

Even with all this happening, it seems unlikely Payton gives up play calling in 2026. No matter who the next OC is.

Including this quote from Jan. 15.

"The thing that I have to continue that changes as you get older is you still have to be quick. Play just ran, next play...As you get older, you think about all the ramifications...That’s something that I have to mentally make sure it’s quick. It’s quick and decisive, and it’s daring at the right time. Not reckless, but those are things that I find that are challenges compared to when I was 33 in New York or whatever."

Payton is 62 years old. Lombardi is 54.

Conversely, Webb is 31 years old, much closer to Bo Nix's age, and has connected with the young quarterback over the last two years.

And while some of the best coaches are in their 60s—Payton, Andy Reid, the Harbaughs—some of the most innovative coaches are in their 30s and 40s. Like Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan, Kevin O'Connell, and Matt LaFleur. Brady is 36.

It seems clear the Broncos need to get a creative, young mind to help the offense take the next step from mediocre—14th in scoring, 10th in yards—to great.

If that step happens, Denver will be even more legitimate contenders in 2026 than they were in 2025.

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