The Denver Broncos appear ready to adopt a significant offensive transformation under head coach Sean Payton, aiming to accelerate Bo Nix quarterback development. As the team preps for the 2026 NFL season, Denver promoted Davis Webb from offensive pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator, fueling speculation about potential adjustments in play-calling responsibilities previously held by Payton himself. This strategic shift reflects the Broncos’ intent to nurture their young quarterback, Bo Nix, and maximize offensive productivity.
Sean Payton’s Possible Transition Away from Play-Calling Duties
Long known for personally calling plays throughout his head-coaching tenure, Sean Payton might be considering delegating those duties for the upcoming season. NFL insider Ian Rapoport highlighted this emerging possibility, suggesting Payton’s readiness to entrust Davis Webb with greater authority on the field. On the DNVR Sports podcast, Rapoport noted,
“I don’t think it’s crazy (to talk about Sean Payton giving up play-calling).”
He added,
“I think that if you are a play-caller as a head coach, here’s what you’re looking for. Someone you trust that you can hand it over to, so you can just be the CEO of the team – you can be the head coach. And to me, the fact that we’re even talking about it is a very good sign for Davis, because it’s like Sean Payton must trust him enough to even consider.”
While Payton may remain heavily involved, Rapoport pointed out,
“So, like what’s it going to be? I don’t know. My guess is, Sean Payton will be heavily involved in anything play-calling anyway. But like, if someone’s wondering about the future of Davis Webb, you should probably feel pretty good that Payton’s even thinking about thinking that.”
Davis Webb’s Coaching Potential and Impact on Broncos’ Strategy
Davis Webb’s promotion shows Denver’s faith in his elevated role as an offensive leader, especially as his coaching rise is tightly linked to Bo Nix’s growth. Webb demonstrated his play-calling skills during a preseason victory against the Arizona Cardinals last August, orchestrating a 27–7 win where the team amassed 402 passing yards and 167 rushing yards. Following the game, Payton expressed admiration for Webb’s rapid tempo and effective strategy execution. At 31 years old, Webb brings youthful energy to the sideline, contrasting with Payton, who will turn 63 in 2026.
Payton has recognized the challenges aging presents in maintaining play-calling agility. Reflecting on his approach during a January 15 press conference, he commented, “
The thing that I have to continue that changes as you get older is you still have to be quick,’’ Payton said in the presser.
“Play just ran, next play. I said this: When I was younger, we’d run a reverse on the 8-yard line, and I think nothing of it. As you get older, you think about all the ramifications. So I have to also remove that.
”
This candid reflection suggests Payton is open to focusing more on broader team leadership while potentially shifting play-calling responsibilities to Webb, whose coaching stock is rising across the league.
Broader Coaching Interests Surrounding Davis Webb
Webb has attracted attention beyond Denver, interviewing for head coaching opportunities with the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, and Las Vegas Raiders, as well as other offensive coordinator positions. Some have questioned whether these prospects were realistic given Webb’s lack of coordinator experience at that point. Rapoport countered this skepticism, explaining why teams seriously considered Webb for these roles:
“
I think first of all, what sometimes happens for coaches that aren’t coordinators is teams will interview them and kind of be trying to take a look at, like, all right, maybe this is my coordinator,
”
he said.
“
I think with Davis, because he’s got like, so much juice, I think it was pretty real. Like, I know the Raiders liked him. I think probably a little too early. It’s okay, but that seemed pretty real to me.
”
He further emphasized,
“
Like reality is that being a head coach is so different from being a coordinator,
”
adding,
“
Like, as long as you understand all aspects of an organization, it sort of doesn’t really matter, like if you’ve called plays, if you’ve been a coordinator or not.
”
This suggests that Payton’s commitment to Webb includes a clear path to play-calling duties in Denver, maximizing Webb’s potential while preparing for the future.
Logan Kilgore Elevated to Support Bo Nix’s Growth
In addition to shifting play-calling roles, the Broncos made a significant coaching appointment directly aimed at enhancing Bo Nix’s development. Logan Kilgore, previously the offensive quality control coach since 2023, was promoted on February 2 to quarterbacks coach, a role critical in mentoring Nix in his third NFL season. Kilgore brings a proven track record of developing elite talent, having guided Arch Manning to break his family’s high school passing records.
Kilgore helped Arch Manning surpass Eli Manning’s Newman school career passing yards (7,268) and Peyton Manning’s high school touchdown mark (93), finishing his senior year with 115 passing touchdowns before committing as a five-star recruit to the Texas Longhorns. This history makes Kilgore a trusted figure in quarterback development, and his expanded role illustrates Denver’s commitment to nurturing Bo Nix’s advancement.
Bo Nix’s Performance and Future Outlook
Bo Nix posted an impressive 2025 season, throwing for 3,931 yards with 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions en route to leading the Broncos to a 14–3 regular-season record and the AFC’s top seed. However, his campaign ended prematurely after an ankle injury in the Divisional Round, with Denver falling short in the AFC Championship. As Nix prepares for the 2026 season, his development will be closely linked to coaching guidance from both Davis Webb and Logan Kilgore, whose combined mentorship aims to sharpen his skills and decision-making.
Strategic Implications and the Road Ahead for the Broncos
The Denver Broncos are positioning themselves carefully for long-term success by recalibrating their offensive leadership around promising young talent. Sean Payton’s possible partial shift away from play-calling could allow him to focus on overarching team management while enabling Davis Webb to gain essential experience leading the offense. Meanwhile, the focus on Bo Nix’s growth through trusted mentors like Kilgore signals a serious commitment to cultivating the quarterback’s full potential.
This coordinated effort may increase Denver’s offensive consistency and resilience, particularly as the team looks to overcome last season’s playoff disappointment. The coming season will offer insights into how these coaching adjustments impact both the Broncos’ on-field production and Bo Nix’s trajectory as a starting NFL quarterback.
