Couple of blurbs from CBS sports on the Donkos potential coaching search:
2. Dan Quinn
Current position: Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator
Quinn figures to once again receive several interview requests this offseason, as he commands one of the most talented defenses in the league. The Cowboys don't statistically have one of the top defenses in the NFL, but they love to pressure the passer, and Quinn is a big reason why
Micah Parsons has quickly emerged into one of the best players in the world. Imagine someone like Quinn in control of Denver's talented defensive unit.
Another reason Denver could be in on Quinn is because he has head coaching experience. His stint working opposite of
Russell Wilson as the defensive coordinator of the
Seattle Seahawks landed him the
Atlanta Falcons head coaching job. In six years, he went 43-42, and made the
Super Bowl in his second season back in 2016.
Something to keep an eye on:
Per CBS Sports NFL Insider Josina Anderson, those in the Broncos organization expect Quinn's candidacy for their vacancy to include bringing Brian Schottenheimer along. Schottenheimer is currently a coaching analyst for the Cowboys, and has served as the offensive coordinator for several different teams -- including working with Wilson and the Seahawks at one time.
1. Sean Payton
Current position: Fox NFL analyst
This is the big one.
Per CBS Sports NFL Insider Josina Anderson, Payton has a high affinity for the
Los Angeles Chargers and Cowboys jobs, with the
Arizona Cardinals being in consideration as well should that job open up. Anderson reports that Payton will probably listen if the Broncos call, but historically, he's preferred a strong link to the general manager.
Payton shocked the NFL world in January when he said he was
stepping down from his role as head coach of the
New Orleans Saints. Virtually no one believes he's done with coaching, and he could return in 2023. The former Super Bowl champion compiled a 152-89 regular season record and a 9-8 postseason record in 15 years. He will be one of the hottest names this offseason if he wants to return to the coaching ranks.