Sean Payton’s Stunning Broncos Turnaround Still Flying Under the Radar for Top Coaching Honor

The Denver Broncos are one of the NFL’s best stories this season. Under head coach Sean Payton, the team has surged to a 10-2 record. This marks a dramatic reversal for a franchise that missed the playoffs for nearly a decade.

Nov 26, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton watches the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Despite this success, Payton is not a frontrunner for the Coach of the Year award. The award often goes to a coach whose team most exceeded low preseason expectations. According to analysis, Payton’s own high standards for the Broncos this summer may have ironically hurt his case.

How Award Perceptions Shape the Coaching Conversation

The Broncos actively embraced Super Bowl aspirations before the season. This set a very high bar for public and media perception. Now that they are meeting those lofty goals, the year-over-year surprise factor is less pronounced.

Payton’s work, however, has been remarkable. He took over a struggling team and installed a winning culture quickly. The Broncos’ current win total is a direct testament to that effective turnaround. Yet, the award’s narrative seems to favor more unexpected success stories.

Other coaches face different pressures. In New Orleans, first-year coach Kellen Moore is under scrutiny after a difficult 2-10 start. Competitive play down the stretch will be crucial for his future. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s Kevin O’Connell faces questions despite his proven ability to maximize quarterback talent.

Coaching Stability and Future Decisions Across the League

The end of the season always brings speculation about job security. In Cleveland, the partnership of Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry appears stable despite a tough year. Their past success and a major quarterback investment likely buy them more time.

The New York Giants have already begun a head coaching search. The role is considered attractive due to promising young talent. However, the future of current General Manager Joe Schoen could depend on the preferences of the new coach.

Historical trends suggest a busy hiring cycle ahead. The NFL typically sees several coaching changes each offseason. This year is expected to follow that pattern, with multiple teams potentially making moves.

The Broncos’ success under Sean Payton is undeniable, even if it doesn’t fit the classic Coach of the Year narrative. His work in Denver has firmly re-established the franchise as a contender, which is a reward in itself for the team’s long-suffering fans.

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Why isn’t Sean Payton a top candidate for Coach of the Year?

The award frequently goes to coaches whose teams vastly outperform very low expectations. Payton set Super Bowl expectations early, so the Broncos’ success, while impressive, is seen as meeting a predicted goal rather than shocking the league.

Is Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell responsible for the team’s losses?

Analysts point to roster construction, particularly at quarterback, as a larger issue. O’Connell has a strong track record of maximizing quarterback play, suggesting the problems may stem from personnel decisions above him.

Which NFL teams are already looking for a new head coach?

The New York Giants and Tennessee Titans have officially begun searches for new head coaches. Based on recent history, several more teams are expected to join them in the offseason.

Will the Cleveland Browns fire their coach and general manager?

It is considered unlikely. The partnership has delivered playoff berths, and the team’s current struggles are often viewed in the context of the major Deshaun Watson trade, giving the leadership some leeway.

What makes the New York Giants job attractive to candidates?

The Giants have a foundation of young talent, including quarterback Jaxson Dart and receiver Malik Nabers. The franchise’s history and location in New York also add to its appeal for potential coaches.