After officially becoming the Denver Broncos head coach, Sean Payton knows he has a lot of work to do. Payton’s first order of business will likely be trying to “fix” Russell Wilson after the veteran quarterback had one of the worst seasons of his career in 2022. (And he better succeed, considering everything Denver traded away for the coach and QB.)
On Monday, after the Broncos had their introductory press conference for Payton, the sideline leader was asked about Wilson having his own “personal coaches” — which notably includes Jake Heaps, Wilson’s own QB coach — around Denver’s team facility.
Without fully diving into all of his plans, Payton quickly quashed the concept of Wilson having his own people around all the time. He bluntly noted that would no longer be a viable concept in 2023.
Sean Payton was introduced as the #Brocos new coach today.
One of the things he said was that Russell Wilson will no longer be allowed to have his personal coaches in the building like last season. (@DMacRadio)
"That's not going to take place here."pic.twitter.com/FICk10YvB3
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 6, 2023
I’m no mind reader, so I can’t say precisely what crossed Payton’s mind with this question. But I think it’s pretty likely he took the (somewhat) diplomatic route because he doesn’t want to alienate Wilson before he even starts coaching the Broncos.
What I’m sure of is that Payton won’t be messing around with the Broncos. Whether you’re a fifth-round depth player or a QB with $161 million guaranteed, everyone will probably be on notice and on equal footing under the head coach’s watch.
NFL fans loved how quickly Payton got to business with Wilson and the Broncos
I guess he’s not going to let Russ cook. https://t.co/Y09Ci6lDXt
— Nate (@Just_Some_Guy29) February 6, 2023
Already off to a great start lol https://t.co/pSuIE9q2Fc
— Chris Williamson (@CWilliamson44) February 6, 2023
Great example of a Coach setting a new standard/new culture. https://t.co/qhOQetCVaV
— Mike Tannenbaum (@RealTannenbaum) February 6, 2023
Ooooooohhh. Mr Unlimted is about to have his privileges limited https://t.co/5qpmfrKN5s
— Chris McClain (@macwfnz) February 6, 2023
Payton letting it be known he runs the show https://t.co/NHRBQ2wQKr
— VA Raider Mark (@RaiderMark3234) February 6, 2023
As it should be on all levels. https://t.co/PB41Kn3ybb
— Hunter (@hunterdavis_80) February 6, 2023
Mr. Payton laying down the law, I respect it https://t.co/1W5wQi6vOP
— Brandon Capozziello (@BrandonCap21) February 6, 2023
He’s there for one reason and one reason only. To win. https://t.co/KokQrHstQV
— Yates (@Jyates5) February 6, 2023
How it should be. https://t.co/ZYyaHRTvGK
— Blake Feller (@blakefeller_) February 6, 2023
Changing culture already https://t.co/ct604LZc4Y
— Bobby Hernandez (@Bobstradamus_24) February 6, 2023
Good for Sean https://t.co/1o7nZ5PDg8
— Kerry Byard (@realKerryByard) February 6, 2023
