Denver Broncos' new play caller, Davis Webb, takes charge. [Image Source: CLOUDINARY]
The Denver Broncos will introduce a new play-calling voice for quarterback Bo Nix during the 2026 NFLseason after two years with Sean Payton directing offensive plays. Head coach Sean Payton announced at the NFL Scouting Combine that offensive coordinator Davis Webb will take over play-calling duties, aiming to enhance the offensive strategy for Denver.
Davis Webb Promoted Following Coaching Staff Changes
Davis Webb, previously serving as the Broncos’ quarterbacks coach for three seasons, was elevated to offensive coordinator after Joe Lombardi was dismissed. Payton expressed confidence in Webb’s capabilities, stating,
“With regards to play-calling, it’s something I think he’ll be really good at it. I know it’s like, ‘Man, are you going to give up play-calling?’ And I would only do that if I felt like it would help our team. I’ll still be involved in what we do offensively, just like what we do defensively. But I do think he has a gift.”
This move signals a strategic adjustment aimed at improving the Broncos’ offensive efficiency.
Bo Nix’s Progress and Impact on Broncos’ Recent Success
Bo Nix, the Broncos’ first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and an Auburn standout who attended Pinson Valley High School, has started every game since joining Denver until he missed the AFC Championship Game due to an ankle injury. Denver secured the AFC’s No. 1 playoff seed with a 14-3 record but narrowly lost to the New England Patriots 10-7, just short of reaching Super Bowl LX.
Payton praised Nix’s development and resilience, noting,
“I think there’s a confidence, I mean, man, his play in the fourth quarter from behind. Obviously, we won 13 or so many games. You have that much more film available to see what he’s done in two years. And I love the fact that he doesn’t take sacks. He’s a real, real good athlete.”
Nix’s growth remains a key factor in the Broncos’ offensive strategy moving forward.
Sean Payton’s Record as a Play Caller and Transition to Webb
Sean Payton, who has largely managed play-calling throughout his 21 seasons as an NFL head coach, entrusted this responsibility to Webb in an effort to benefit the team. Broncos general manager George Paton highlighted Payton’s status, stating,
Image of: Denver Broncos
“The cool thing is he’s one of the best ever to call it.”
He added,
“and yet he’s going to let this young up-and-comer — that just shows you how much he believes in Davis.”
This transition underscores a blend of veteran experience and new coaching energy shaping Denver’s offense.
Davis Webb’s Coaching Journey and Strong Impression on Broncos Leadership
Davis Webb’s background includes being a third-round quarterback pick by the New York Giants in 2017 from California, with limited playing time over six seasons before joining Denver’s staff in 2023. Paton described their hiring process, remarking,
“We interviewed him, and he blew out the interview,”
and further detailed,
“Sean and I and a few other coaches were in there, and just the detail of the football knowledge. Never coached but obviously a son of a coach and played, and he kind of blew us away, and then we’re like, ‘OK, we’ll give you a call in a few days.’ And Sean and I are sitting there like 15 minutes later, it’s like, ‘What are we doing? We better get this guy back here. He’s going to be gone if he has another interview.’ …
Paton also emphasized Webb’s rapport with players, saying,
“And then you know, just the relationship he has with these quarterbacks, the way they’ve all kind of taken off, and the connection with the quarterback room but the entire offense and really the defense. A lot of confidence, as you know. Really confident for a guy who’s 31 years old, and when we interviewed him he’s what, 28, if you do the math. But I’m not sure I’ve seen the confidence for a young coach like that, and so, you know, he’s got a little swag to him. I think players appreciate it.”
What the Change in Play-Calling Means for the Broncos’ Future
By appointing Davis Webb as the new play caller, the Broncos aim to leverage fresh tactical insight to complement Bo Nix’s evolving talents. The change reflects the organization’s effort to build on their recent AFC-leading 14-3 season and address the narrow playoff exit. With a dynamic offensive coordinator now in place, Denver hopes to strengthen its chances of advancing deeper into the postseason and ultimately contending for the Super Bowl. The collaboration of Webb’s youthful coaching style and Payton’s extensive expertise may prove critical as they seek to maximize their roster’s potential.
