The Denver Broncos' achievement last season was a double-edged sword that has handed them one of the toughest schedules in 2026. An NFL analyst shared his theory on what the season could hold for the Broncos under a new offensive coordinator.

The May 22 episode of the DNVR Broncos podcast highlighted that Payton had given the responsibility of play-calling to Webb, who was promoted to the role of Offensive Coordinator in February 2026.

Baldinger, who was also in attendance, was asked about his expectations from Webb during his first year as the Broncos’ OC.

Since the Broncos’ schedule would kick off with six major games, all against playoff teams, the analyst reserved his judgment about whether Denver was off to a “hot start”.

“The schedule's tough. I mean, you know, these first six games are all playoff teams, Super Bowl champion Rams. Like, it's a tough opening schedule. Um, you know, but you know, they get three of the six at home. So, you know, uh, we'll see,” Baldinger said.

He went on to explain that both the analysts and the players would find out quite soon how they were faring under Davis Webb’s play-calling, and whether it would drive the Broncos forward and cause them to fall behind once the season began. 

“These guys will start to figure out Davis Webb and just how he calls a play, the timing, when is the ball being snapped, like just little things that everybody scouts, you know… Their eyes are going to be on, you know, on Davis. Everything from the sidelines to communications to formation,” he warned.

Heavy is the crown of the Offensive Coordinator, and Webb, who has three years of experience as the Broncos’ quarterbacks coach, will have to wear it this season. But what does Webb’s promotion say about Sean Payton’s future with the Broncos?

Will Sean Payton Take Another Break If Denver Wins The Super Bowl?

Sean Payton spent sixteen seasons with the New Orleans Saints, from 2006 to 2021. He managed to take the team to three NFC Championships and one Super Bowl. But in 2022, he decided to take a year-long sabbatical from coaching.

Payton returned again as head coach for the Denver Broncos in 2023 and spent no time at all before guiding the team to the AFC West title in 2025. This has led many to consider the Broncos to be potential Super Bowl winners this season.

The May 22 episode of the DNVR Broncos podcast also raised the question plaguing the Broncos community: Will Payton take another break if the Broncos win the Super Bowl in 2026?

Brian Baldinger didn’t seem to agree, and he explained why.

“I don't see that to be some sort of an exit strategy. I think he really still loves all of it, you know, and his kids are raised and he's done all that part of it. I think this is kind of what he wants to do. I mean, I he was good at the TV thing at Fox and I think they enjoyed having him, but I think um I think he's in a good spot,” said the analyst.

With familial responsibilities out of the way and good health in his sixties, Payton seems to be in his happy place, per Baldinger. 

You know, he's got a good ownership. Not afraid to spend money. He's got a good young quarterback that he can ride for a while. Um I I don't I winning a Super Bowl, I don't think changes anything for him right now,” he added.

Baldinger admitted that it was a surprise that Payton had given Webb play-calling responsibilities, but didn’t feel like that was a sign of Payton making an exit.

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Written by

Arundhoti Palit

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit