OT: Sean Payton Planned to Step Aside for Belichick to coach Denver to Break Win Record

[Ian]

Seth Wickersham posted an interesting story on Tuesday where he spent time with Sean Payton, documenting things in Denver.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49225969/inside-denver-broncos-coach-sean-payton-playoffs

"Payton and Belichick go back decades, forged by mutual respect -- and mutual trauma from working under Parcells. When Belichick and the Patriots divorced in 2024, Payton considered presenting Broncos owner Greg Penner a proposal for the ages: Hire Belichick as head coach until he reached 15 wins, enough to break Don Shula's career record of 347. Payton would temporarily step down to assistant head coach and run the offense, then move back after Belichick became the all-time leader. In the end, it was too complicated -- and maybe too fanciful."

Definitely interesting. The whole article was interesting if you enjoy long-form reads, but that tidbit certainly stood out and is starting to circulate online.

 

[FrodoBagginz]

Belichick: "Sorry, Sean, it's not really working out. We're gonna have to let you go."

 

[Ross12]

I don't know if I believe that one. Lol

 

[maust]

I don't know if I believe that one. Lol

I believe the part where it was just 'too complicated' is credible but there's no 'maybe' about it being too (ahem) "fanciful"

 

[Bill Lee]

The key word is "considered"...

We all consider all kinds of things. Bill actually followed through with Jordon. Maybe he should have considered a few more things before he did that.

Congrats to BSPN and Wickersham for creating yet more click bait.

 

[203Pat]

If that is true that is one of the dumber things I have heard in regards to the NFL.

 

[Gumby]

The key word is "considered"...

We all consider all kinds of things. Bill actually followed through with Jordon. Maybe he should have considered a few more things before he did that.

Congrats to BSPN and Wickersham for creating yet more click bait.

I was actually CONSIDERING going back to @Ian ’s OP and clicking the link, but then you reminded me that Wickersham, who is often FANCIFUL when it comes to facts; is the author and I decided that it was way too COMPLICATED to find a way to read it without giving click credit.

 

[Family]

Sean and Bill got drunk together one night, and came up with an elaborate plan.

 

[h0c2000]

Coaching college is like a dream come true for Bill. Too bad it was a nightmare.

 

[Ross12]

The key word is "considered"...

We all consider all kinds of things. Bill actually followed through with Jordon. Maybe he should have considered a few more things before he did that.

Congrats to BSPN and Wickersham for creating yet more click bait.

Saw a comment elsewhere that said it best - something along the lines of "I also considered dating Sydney Sweeney, but ultimately, it was too complicated."