Sean Payton targeting Saints coach Darren Rizzi for Broncos staff

By Ross Jackson

The Denver Broncos currently have ten former New Orleans Saints on their coaching staff. From head coach Sean Payton to former special teams ace Chris Banjo, who now serves as the Denver assistant special teams coach. 

Now, the Broncos could look to add another from Payton’s former staff, and a big one at that. 

Friday morning, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Broncos fired special teams special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica, opening up a major position with the team’s coaching staff. 

The #Broncos have fired special teams coach Ben Kotwica, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo.

With #Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi available, that’s quickly a name that makes sense for Sean Payton. Would expect they speak to him, at the least.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 17, 2025

The Saints, who fired former coach Dennis Allen in Week Nine of the season, looked primed to lose special teams coordinator and assistant head coach Darren Rizzi this offseason. The Saints appointed Rizzi as their interim head coach, after dismissing Allen. 

If New Orleans doesn’t appoint Rizzi as its next full-time coach, history says that he won’t stick around for his original position. Instead, it’s far more likely that he’ll become someone else’s special teams coordinator and assistant head coach, assuming no one else hires him to head their staff. 

A perfect opportunity now exists for Rizzi to reunite with Payton in Denver, should he choose. Make no mistake about it, though, Rizzi won’t lack opportunities on the open market. He will be the most desirable special teams coordinator available and should have his pick of open positions. 

Rizzi is also expected to interview this week for the Saints’ full-time role. So, until that’s settled, don’t expect him to go anywhere. He also interviewed for the New York Jets open head coach position.