Getty
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton shakes hands with Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton might not be done with what has turned into an extensive retooling of his coaching staff this offseason, with the official start of the period still to come on March 11.
Payton has already replaced his offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach (because of the OC change), wide receivers coach, and other roles on his staff.
He appears to have at least one more in mind.
Broncos Linked to Ex-Vikings HC Mike Zimmer
GettyDallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer paces the sideline during a joint practice with Los Angeles Rams.
Payton is not going anywhere anytime soon, but the Broncos head coach could add another figure who has been in his position.
According to 9News’ Mike Klis, the Broncos met with Mike Zimmer.
“Per source, #Broncos visited last week with veteran coach Mike Zimmer about a senior coaching position,” Klis reported in a post on X on February 23. “Nothing imminent but there is mutual interest. Zimmer has been a football coach since 1979 and started his NFL career in 1994.”
Zimmer most recently worked as the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator in 2024. Payton and Zimmer worked together in Dallas from 2003 through 2005.
However, Zimmer has also worked with Broncos general manager George Paton before. Paton spent 14 years with the Minnesota Vikings. He was the Vikings’ assistant GM and vice president of player personnel for most of Zimmer’s tenure as head coach.
The triumvirate is reunited in Denver, and the timing is intriguing.
Broncos Hedge Against 2027 Offseason
GettyDenver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph looks on against the Indianapolis Colts.
This offseason saw Payton lose several assistants to other opportunities, and bringing Zimmer in would represent a hedge against the 2027 hiring cycle.
Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has garnered interest over the past two seasons, and a repeat of Denver’s 2024 and 2025 efforts could be the final step toward a second opportunity in the big chair.
Joseph was the Broncos’ head coach in 2017 and 2018.
Zimmer has extensive experience as a defensive play-caller, leading units that featured an aggressive style that could make for a seamless transition if Joseph leaves in 2027.
He is not without his warts, having earned a reputation as one of the saltier coaches in the NFL during his time. However, Payton has been known to put the same personality trait on display from time to time.
That like-mindedness could help the relationship thrive.
Broncos Expected to Answer Lingering Question
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on before facing the Houston Texans.
Klis also reported that Payton and Paton are expected to speak on Tuesday ahead of the 2026 combine. Who will call plays for the Broncos is expected to be among the topics the former will face questions about.
The Broncos promoted Davis Webb to OC, filling the void at QB coach with Logan Kilgore.
That promotion is widely presumed to have come with additional offensive say, if not play-calling duties.
It would mark a monumental shift for Payton. However, just as bringing Zimmer in would do, it would allow the Broncos’ head coach to refocus his efforts. Payton could shift to more of a CEO-like role that comes with his position.
Payton and the Broncos have already made several changes. More roster moves are still to come.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
More Heavy on Broncos
Loading more stories