Saints reporter drops breadcrumps that could explain why Sean Payton didn’t get 2nd interview

A Saints insider suggested there’s more to the story with the Denver Broncos opening than meets the eye.

The New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos have been linked for most of the offseason, just as the Saints have been with virtually every team that has a head coaching opening. The reason for that is that the Saints still own Sean Payton’s — a respected head coach who was at the top of the list for many teams building their candidate list — coaching rights, which could absolutely change the franchise’s trajectory. They are due compensation in the form of a trade from any team that would like to secure his employment.

Things have slowed considerably for Payton, though. Days ago, we got an insight that the most likely job for him next year is returning to FOX as a studio analyst. Now, we’ve heard that Payton isn’t even getting call-backs for second interviews, even with teams that were aggressive in pursuing him, like the Broncos. 

Finally, there was an indication via a cryptic Tweet from Benjamin Allbright that the Broncos were possibly zeroing in on a candidate not named Sean Payton. But the cryptic Tweets from insiders don’t end there…

Saints reporter knows something about Broncos job, but won’t say what…

Jeff Duncan of The Times-Picayune and NOLA.com Tweeted that he got some intel on the Broncos head coaching search, but wouldn’t say what it is, and only said, “It all makes sense now.”

There were definitely aspects of the story that didn’t make sense. One can explain away not bringing Payton back for a follow-up interview in Denver if the Broncos soured on the overall price (between his expected $20M+ salary and the draft capital Denver would owe New Orleans), but Denver knew what the Saints wanted as far as picks, and were ready to sign the check for Payton.

So… something else happened. As far as what that something is, we don’t know. Jeff Duncan does seem to, though.

More than meets the eye in Denver right now. Hopefully we get some clarity soon enough. But don’t be surprised if the final outcome takes a twist and turn or two.