In a news conference earlier this week, Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson said “we want a winner” about the team’s search for a new head coach. An established winner — say, former Saints HC Sean Payton — may be the only type of coach who can save the QB’s spiraling career.
Payton, who won Super Bowl XLIV with the Saints, is a brilliant offensive mind capable of designing a scheme to revitalize the 34-year-old QB.
Per Oddschecker, he is the favorite to become Denver’s next HC.
Per NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Payton is a top candidate along with Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Quinn was a DC when Wilson won Super Bowl XLVIII in Seattle. Harbaugh was a successful 49ers HC from 2011-14, going 44-19-1 and leading the 49ers to a Super Bowl XLVII appearance.
Despite being a nine-time Pro Bowler in Seattle, Wilson has fallen far short of Denver’s expectations. In 14 starts, he’s posted career lows in QBR (35.6) and completion percentage (60.8). He’s also on track for a career-low in touchdown passes (currently at 13).
Some head-coaching candidates may view Wilson as a huge problem. Other may view dealing with him as a welcome opportunity. Recharging Wilson’s career could bolster a HC’s reputation — or in the case of Payton, reaffirm his already strong coaching reputation.
Wilson certainly thinks its a great opportunity for whomever Denver hires next to lead the franchise.
“This is a great job,” Wilson said. “It’s coming together. I know it’s a little late, but hopefully, we’ll start early next year.”
