The Denver Broncos aggressively pursued Sean Payton as their head coach last offseason due to his success with the New Orleans Saints. In 15 seasons, the Saints had a 152-89 record with Payton as their head coach, as well as one Super Bowl trophy.
Despite his massive achievements in New Orleans, not everyone is a believer in Payton’s ability as a head coach. Count this one-time NFL All-Pro as one of those skeptical of Payton’s ability to thrive without his former QB, Drew Brees.
Former NFL Player Rips Sean Payton
The New Orleans Saints-Atlanta Falcons NFC South rivalry runs so deep that it looks to continue well beyond tenures and playing days. Such is the case with former Falcons wide receiver Roddy White and his latest X post, where he discredits the former Saints and current Broncos head coach.
Sean Peyton time has passed him by don’t matter who he gets in the draft drew carried that man and he ain’t done nothing since.
— Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) March 13, 2024
White pulled no punches when he spoke about Payton and his pedigree on Thursday afternoon.
“Sean Peyton time has passed him by don’t matter who he gets in the draft drew (Brees) carried that man, and he ain’t done nothing since.”
It’s clear that White does not believe in Payton as the Broncos’ head coach right now and thinks his best coaching days are behind him. White has provided no other details other than stating his opinion; however, this comes on the heels of a 2023 season that saw Payton’s Broncos finish 8-9 and third in the AFC West.
In addition to the disappointing year on the field, the head coach-quarterback off-the-field dynamic in Denver was messy as well. Payton and then starting QB Russell Wilson were seemingly never on the same page. As a result, the Broncos released Wilson and absorbed a massive cap number while doing so.
While it is unfair to take one troubling year for Payton and discredit his entire body of work, it seems that White has seen enough to make a declaration about Payton and his status within the game’s coaching pantheon.
The 2024 season will be an important one for Payton and the Broncos as they look to get over .500 for the first time in Payton’s tenure in Mile High. If they can do so and find a way to be a competitive team in the AFC, maybe he will earn the respect of a former divisional foe.
Either way, it seems like the spotlight will be on Payton nonetheless.
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