Broncos, Sean Payton agree to 5-year deal through 2030
Sean Payton agreed to terms Thursday on a new five-year contract with the Denver Broncos that spans through the 2030 season.
The deal replaces the final two years Payton, 62, had remaining on his existing deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Payton pointed to what he called the "triangle of ownership" including the Walton-Penner family ownership group, owner and CEO Greg Penner as well as working with general manager George Paton.
"I think it makes all the sense in the world. I'm super appreciative of that opportunity," Payton said of the five-year deal linking him with Paton through the 2030 season.
Paton, who signed a new contract in May, joined Denver as the GM in 2021 after 14 seasons in the Minnesota Vikings' front office (2007-20).
"I've been spoiled because I had a really good experience in New Orleans with ownership and (Saints general manager) Mickey (Loomis)," Payton said of his previous head coaching tenure. "To go two-for-two with that is hard in our league. I'm thankful they want me back, and we'll do everything we can to continue to keep winning."
Payton guided the Broncos to a 14-3 record and an appearance in the AFC Championship Game last season. He is 32-19 during his three seasons at the helm in Denver.
"Sean Payton has led an impressive turnaround over the past three seasons, instilling a winning culture with high expectations," Penner said in a news release. "I appreciate the close partnership he shares with George Paton, along with the alignment and stability across our football operations.
"We're thrilled for Sean to continue leading our team as head coach, building on our progress during such an exciting time for the Broncos."
The Broncos acquired Payton from the New Orleans Saints in 2023. Denver traded a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and a second-round selection in 2024 to New Orleans. The Broncos received a third-round pick in 2024 to complete that deal.
"It was an important decision. I've said this respectfully just recently," Payton said. "It wasn't like we were trying to find a division with (Kansas City Chiefs head coach) Andy (Reid) and (quarterback) Patrick (Mahomes) in it, but it was the right job with the ownership group, with George (Paton), that interview process. My gut told me that. Fortunately for me, they felt the same way."
Payton spent 15 seasons as the head coach of the Saints (2006-11, 2013-21), highlighted by a Super Bowl XLIV title during the 2009 season. He also was named the NFL Coach of the Year in 2006.
Payton owns a 184-108 record as the head coach of the Saints and Broncos. His win total is second only to Reid (279) among active NFL coaches.
--Field Level Media
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This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 10:38 AM.