Broncos Could be Tempted to Pursue Long-Time New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator.
The Broncos were tempted to sign veteran OC Pete Carmichael.
Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos have prioritized coaching continuity, but personnel improvements are still possible. CEO and co-owner Greg Penner will meet with GM George Paton and head coach Sean Payton to get to know the staff and roster. “There’s two weeks left. I’m spending time with George, Greg and our coordinators,” Payton said during last week’s press conference. “Like the choices we make, we carefully consider what we do.”
The inevitable ebb and flow of NFL coaching rankings often means that interesting names reappear on the market at the end of each season. This fact gives Payton additional options to extend his range. This is especially true if they are looking for more specific expertise or even a trusted former lieutenant. The New Orleans Saints parted ways with offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael on Tuesday. Carmichael spent 18 years with the organization, most of it as Payton’s right-hand man. Carmichael’s sudden availability gives Payton an interesting recruiting option to consider.
Carmichael has been with the Big Easy throughout Payton’s tenure, and his close connections and intimate knowledge of how the company operates could be invaluable. The 52-year-old assistant coach was a little disappointed with New Orleans, especially after the Saints missed the playoffs, but it’s important to look at Carmichael’s recent history outside of Payton’s infrastructure.
During their time together, from 2006 to 2021, Payton often kept tight control of the playmaking duties and called any changes to the offense “thin” when he gave Carmichael the opportunity. The duo released at least 10 children together. Ranked in the top five in scoring offense and top ten in scoring offense 13 times. Carmichael was an effective bridge between Payton and the Saints’ future Hall of Fame quarterback, Drew Brees, and was instrumental in helping the coach achieve maximum efficiency on game day. After Payton expressed his frustration with the way the offense ran in 2023, the Broncos may feel the need to add a solid running back. Payton will turn 60 in the 2023 regular season and admits he’s made some mistakes in judgment and decision-making. It’s not hard to imagine Payton bringing in another reliable source to help him. But seeing her vulnerability gives Payton confidence in her own abilities.
“I want to keep my eyes open, so I don’t want to spoil a game that happened this year and call the wrong play, I want to call the right play. It was embarrassing,” Payton said. “Here’s the thing: I think it gets easier as you get older and more confident in who you are and what you do. I think when you’re young you can often be very protective of certain things. I know how to win.”
Grandfather Time remains undefeated among NFL coaches. Finally, it would make a lot of sense for Payton to find another reliable scientist to join his football lab.
The Broncos offense finished the season 19th in scoring and 26th in total yards. Current offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi is also a longtime Payton assistant, but he doesn’t have the same level of success and high-level experience that the head coach had with Carmichael.
As the Broncos look for a quarterback solution this offseason, Payton isn’t shy about buying whatever resources he can to improve the team’s lackluster offense. Carmichael’s sudden rise in the NFL unemployment rate could be a coincidence, and the Broncos’ massive salary cap increase has no impact on the team’s chances of hiring a coach.
