Denver Broncos set to hire Sean Payton as their next head coach

The Denver Broncos are hiring Sean Payton as their next head coach, according to ESPN.

Driving the news: Payton, who coached the New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl victory in the 2009-10 season, will replace Nathaniel Hackett, who was fired 15 games into his first season. Hackett was 4-11 at the time.

• Payton stepped down as the Saints head coach following the 2021 season. He went 152-89 during his 15 years leading the team, including a 9-8 postseason record.
• He was also named AP coach of the year in 2006 after guiding the Saints to a 10-6 record the year after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city of New Orleans and the Superdome.

Yes, but: He was suspended for the entire 2012 season for his role in the Saints' bounty scandal where players were allegedly paid for injuring their opponents.

Between the lines: The Broncos will send their 2023 first-round draft pick and 2024 second-round pick to New Orleans in exchange for Payton.

• They will get the Saints' 2024 third-round pick as part of the deal, according to ESPN.

What's next: Payton's largest task will be getting quarterback Russell Wilson to resemble the player Denver had in mind when they traded three players and five picks for him.

• During his time in New Orleans, Payton oversaw one of the league's most potent offenses which consistently ranked in the top 10 for points scored.
• The Broncos finished dead last in that category under Hackett.

Our thought bubble: Welcome to Denver, Mr. Payton. We too hope you can maximize Wilson's potential and return us to the winning ways we expect.