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The Denver Broncos promoted Davis Webb to offensive coordinator this week, a fast-rising move that immediately sparked the biggest question in the building: Is head coach Sean Payton finally ready to hand over play-calling?
That uncertainty is exactly why Webb is commanding a ton of attention. The title is official. The responsibility is the intrigue. Multiple Broncos and former Broncos are weighing in on whether they believe he should be the play-caller.
Webb replaces Joe Lombardi after Denver made staff changes following its season-ending loss, according to national reports.
Key details at a glance
New OC: Davis Webb (previously QBs coach / pass game coordinator).
New QBs coach: Logan Kilgore takes over Webb’s prior room.
The real suspense: Whether Payton keeps calling plays or turns that over to Webb.
Broncos Elevate Davis Webb, and the Play-Calling Question Hits Immediately
Webb’s promotion isn’t being treated like a routine title change, because it lands right on top of a long-running NFL obsession: when (or if) Payton would ever give up the play sheet.
The promotion was widely reported Monday, with Webb moving up after working closely with Denver’s quarterback development and the offense’s weekly plan.
And inside the locker room, the reaction has been pretty telling.
As first reported by The Denver Post, wide receiver Courtland Sutton framed Webb as someone who already drives the unit, not just coaches it.
“If he gets the opportunity to call the plays, I think he has the heartbeat of the offense. And so everybody’s going to enjoy having him, if that is what winds up happening.”
That’s the key phrase: “if.” The title is locked in. The play-calling is not.
What It Could Mean if Sean Payton Really Hands Off the Sheet
Payton has been one of the league’s most identified play-callers for nearly two decades, so even the possibility of a shift is a headline-level storyline. National reports around Webb’s promotion explicitly raised the idea that this could signal Payton is ready to delegate the job.
If Payton keeps calling plays, Webb still becomes the central architect of game-planning, weekly install, and in-game adjustments with the staff, effectively the offensive CEO under Payton.
If Payton hands it over, Webb instantly becomes one of the youngest, most spotlighted play-callers in the league, and Denver’s entire offensive identity gets viewed through that lens.
Either way, it’s a pressure moment: Webb’s role is bigger, the expectations are louder, and the fanbase is already debating what Payton “should” do.
Ben DiNucci’s Message Sure Sounded Like He Thinks It’s Coming
Former Broncos quarterback Ben DiNucci tossed gasoline on the discussion after his contract expired, posting a few pointed (and funny) thoughts.
The biggest one: DiNucci called Webb’s promotion “the best thing possible for that building,” then added, “have to assume Sean is going to give up play calling now.”
He also joked about the business side of the league — “Not sure if I would rather be cut or have my contract expire 🤣” — and added a very Denver-specific button: “No airport beers this time – I live in denver.”
Couple things…
1. Davis promoted to OC is best thing possible for that building… have to assume Sean is going to give up play calling now
2. Not sure if I would rather be cut or have my contract expire 🤣
3. No airport beers this time – I live in denver https://t.co/tblYIT628H
— Ben DiNucci (@B_DiNucci6) February 3, 2026
It’s not official confirmation of anything, but it’s a blunt read from someone who was around the staff, and it mirrors exactly what fans are feeling right now.
What Happens Next for Denver’s Offense
The Broncos don’t have to answer the play-calling question today, but every offseason move will get interpreted through it.
Next up: free agency in March, the draft in April, and the first time Payton speaks in detail about how responsibilities will actually work on Sundays.
For now, Denver made the move. Webb got the title. And the “will he call plays?” storyline is officially the Broncos’ next big conversation.
Erik Anderson is an award-winning sports journalist covering the NBA, MLB and NFL for Heavy.com. He also focuses on the trading card market. His work has appeared in nationally-recognized outlets including The New York Times, Associated Press , USA Today, and ESPN. More about Erik Anderson
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