Sean Payton is retaking control of his offense.
The Broncos coach is officially assuming play-calling duties, taking over from offensive coordinator David Webb amid struggles in their 2-2 start.
“We’ll make a change offensively,” Payton told reporters. “I’ll call the plays.”
He said he made the decision Monday, and he’ll keep Webb involved in game-planning.
Payton’s move could help Bo Nix find his stride again, with the third-year QB having thrown for five touchdowns and three interceptions, connecting on just 60 percent of his passes for 819 yards over four games. It could also be a boon to wideout Jaylen Waddle, who has underperformed since being acquired in a trade with the Dolphins.
Payton fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi in the offseason, paving the way for Webb’s ascension as he garnered buzz as a head coaching candidate. Handing play calling to Webb marked the first time Payton — who has long handled the job himself — ceded responsibilities since coming to Denver in 2023.
Given Webb’s legitimate interest throughout the league — he interviewed for top jobs with the Raiders and Bills this past offseason — most believe that Payton gave him play-calling duties as a way to keep him in the fold.
Patyon’s seizure of the play-calling doesn’t take any shine off Webb’s bright future.
“I’ve done this long enough where I know when I have a future head coach, and [Webb’s] gonna be one,” Payton said. “All the things that it’s hard to find will happen. In fact, the same thing to some degree, a little bit different, happened to myself earlier in my career.”
