“I’m Not Going To Be Tough Like Bill Parcells”: Sean Payton Explains Decision To Hand Broncos Play-Calling Duties to Davis Webb

[ASFN Admin]

You must be registered for see images attach

DENVER, CO – JANUARY 17: Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on as players warm up before the AFC Divisional Round game against the Buffalo Bills at Empower Field at Mile High on January 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 17 AFC Divisional Round Bills at Broncos EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon132260117154 ©IMAGO/Icon Sportswire

One of the biggest changes for the Denver Broncos this season won’t come on the field but on the headset. After decades of calling his own offense, head coach Sean Payton has handed over the play-calling duties to the new offensive coordinator, Davis Webb. But does that mean Payton would have absolutely no say in how the offense works?

“I’m sure in a healthy way,” Payton told the media on Monday when a reporter asked if he’s going to interject with Webb’s play-calling. “This is going to work. I’ve done it before. I’m not going to be tough like Bill [Parcells].”

Payton seems to believe in collaborative leadership and has a lot of confidence in Webb’s ability to run the offense. Despite being just 31 years old, Webb has a commendable football acumen. After all, he has been proving himself to Payton since his first year as an NFL coach (2023).

Over the last three seasons, he built strong chemistry with Bo Nix and developed him into a star quarterback. Webb even handled his play-calling duties during the preseason. And he proved that he could process the game at an elite speed.

Meanwhile, Payton worked under Bill Parcells as an assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach with the Dallas Cowboys from 2003 to 2005. But Parcells is famous for his intense, demanding, and highly hands-on coaching style. And Payton believes in a supportive and collaborative approach with Webb.

Yet, he won’t leave the new Broncos’ offensive coordinator completely unchecked. When pressed further on how often he might interfere with Webb’s play-calling on game days, Payton gave a candid answer.

“Some suggestions, some mandates,” the head coach admitted. “It’ll work fine.”

Webb will serve as the primary play-caller. But Payton retains final authority over the team’s strategy. As the head coach, Payton will step in whenever game situations demand a specific approach.

“I think it’s going to help our team and I’ll do whatever it takes to support him,” Payton previously said at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. “It’s not something I would do if I didn’t think it will help our team.”

Now, as Nix recovers from his two offseason ankle surgeries, it’ll be worth watching how Webb and Nix execute the play-calling system together this season. But as Payton himself put it, there will be suggestions, there will be mandates, and ultimately, the success of the arrangement will be measured by how smoothly it translates from the headset to the scoreboard.

Trending Articles

• Former Cowboys Player Unexpectedly Retires at 28, Days After Signing With the Ravens
• Former Patriots WR Abruptly Retires at 24 After Just One NFL Season
• Jerry Jones Could Save Tony Romo’s Career if CBS Decides to Fire Him After Recent Arrest: Report
• Patrick Mahomes & Travis Kelce Fail As Chiefs Rookie Gets the Better of Them at Training Camp
• Get The Huddle Newsletter. The day's biggest NFL stories — rivalries, matchups, expert analysis, power rankings, and insider draft news.

The post “I’m Not Going To Be Tough Like Bill Parcells”: Sean Payton Explains Decision To Hand Broncos Play-Calling Duties to Davis Webb appeared first on EssentiallySports. Add EssentiallySports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Continue reading...