Sean Payton hands over Broncos play-calling duties to new OC Davis Webb
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Sean Payton hands over Broncos play-calling duties to new OC Davis Webb
Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY·USA TODAY Sports
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2 min read
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INDIANAPOLIS – Sean Payton is still the undisputed shot-caller for theDenver Broncosbut play-caller is an entirely different story.
Payton is turning over play-calling duties to newly-promoted offensive coordinatorDavis Webb, confirming the move during his media session late Tuesday afternoon as the NFL's scouting combine kicked off.
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"I think he'll be really good at it," Payton said of Webb, who joined the Broncos staff as quarterbacks coach in 2023. "I know that's like, 'Man, are you going to give up play-calling?'
"I would only do that if I felt it would help our team."
Webb, 31, is a rising star in the NFL coaching ranks who drewinterest from multiple teamsduring the recent hiring cycle.
1. New York Jets - Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
(Jeffrey Becker, Imagn Images)
2. New York Jets – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
(Samantha Madar, Columbus Dispatch)
3. Arizona Cardinals – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.)
(Carmen Mandato, Getty Images)
4. Tennessee Titans – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
(Sam Navarro, Imagn Images)
5. New York Giants – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
(Joseph Maiorana, Imagn Images)
6. Cleveland Browns – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
7. Washington Commanders – David Bailey, DE/OLB, Texas Tech
(Nathan Giese, Avalanche-Journal)
8. New Orleans Saints – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
(Michael Caterina, Imagn Images)
9. Kansas City Chiefs – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
10. Cincinnati Bengals – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
(Barbara J. Perenic, Columbus Dispatch)
11. Miami Dolphins – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
(Brianna Paciorka, News Sentinel)
12. Dallas Cowboys – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
(Alex Martin, Greenville News)
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
(Jeff Le, Getty Images)
14. Baltimore Ravens – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
(Duane Burleson, Getty Images)
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
(Joseph Maiorana, Imagn Images)
16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
But still: Payton has called plays for at least the past 18 years when considering his 15-year tenure asNew Orleans Saintsand before that, as assistant head coach/quarterbacks coach for theDallas Cowboys.
Payton didn't link the move to the AFC title game and insisted that it was not influenced by any ultimatum from Webb.
Regardless, it's stunning when considering Payton's track record as one of the NFL's most accomplished offensive minds.
"I'll still be involved with what we do offensively, just like we do defensively," he said. "But I do think he has a gift. I think he's real sharp."
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Interestingly, Payton's announcement during a 5 p.m. ET press conference came hours afterBuffalo BillsGM Brandon Beane intimated the switch when asked about his team's pursuit of Webb. New Bills coach Joe Brady, who broke into the NFL coaching ranks on Payton's staff with the Saints, also alluded to Webb's new play-calling opportunity.
"I know Brandon Beane announced it earlier to the media," Payton said. "So, I saw him in the hallways, I thought, 'You can come on, do my presser, too.'
"But no, I'm excited for him having that opportunity."
