Getty Image / Jayne Kamin-Oncea
On Monday, former Super Bowl-winning New Orleans Saints head coach was officially unveiled as the new head coach of the Denver Broncos, who fired Nathaniel Hackett last year after just 15 games in charge.
Payton’s first official day as Broncos’ head coach was full of headlining-grabbing tidbits, such as his comments about Russell Wilson’s infamous personal coaches, who won’t be allowed in the building under Payton’s watch.
The 59-year-old offensive guru also detailed how he plans to revitalize Russell Wilson’s career after the former Super Bowl champion bottomed out last year and put up his worst numbers since his rookie season back in 2012.
“It wasn’t the type of season he wanted to have,” Payton said of the 34 year old Wilson on Monday during his introductory press conference.
“I feel like the last couple of weeks, we saw a little bit more of maybe what we were expecting or accustomed to. I say, ‘We,’ [meaning] you all when you signed them. I think the No. 1 job for us as coaches in evaluating our players [is deciding] what are the things that they do really well? Then, let’s try to put them in those positions. At least that’s the starting point, and I think that it is important to highlight their strengths and minimize maybe any weaknesses.”
Last season (his first in Denver) Wilson completed 60% of his passes for 3,524 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also rushed for another 277 yards and 3 touchdowns and was sacked a career-high 55 times.
Given what the Broncos are paying Wilson — annual average salary of $48 million per year — and what they gave up to acquire Sean Payton from the New Orleans Saints, the franchise is undoubtedly hoping the pair of former Super Bowl champions click instantly.
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