Denver Coach Sean Payton Gives Up Play-Calling for First Time in Career

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton will hand over play-calling responsibilities to newly promoted offensive coordinator Davis Webb for the 2026 season. This marks the first time in Payton's coaching career that he won't be calling plays on game day, representing a major shift for the veteran coach.

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton is making a significant shift in his coaching approach, transferring play-calling responsibilities to newly appointed offensive coordinator Davis Webb ahead of the 2026 season.

This marks the first occasion in Payton’s entire head coaching tenure where he will not be the primary play-caller during games.

The announcement came Tuesday during the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, after Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane inadvertently revealed the news while speaking positively about Webb, who previously served as a backup quarterback in Buffalo for three years.

This change marks a significant shift for Payton, who has traditionally maintained close control over offensive operations, though he emphasized the decision is designed to benefit the team rather than reduce his involvement.

“He’s extremely talented,” Payton said of Webb. “With regards to play-calling, it’s something that he’ll be really good at it. Man, it’s like, ‘Would you give up play-calling?’ I would only do that if I felt like it would help our team. I’ll still be involved with what we do offensively, just like what we do defensively. But I do think he has a gift. He’s real sharp.”

Payton revealed he started contemplating transferring these responsibilities to Webb, who previously served as quarterbacks coach and pass-game coordinator, during the 2025 campaign and plans to avoid second-guessing Webb’s choices.

“I think that I want to do everything that I can to support him,” Payton said. “So we’re not going to sit and grade his play-calling each week, at least hopefully we’re not. I think it’s more about the team.”

The 31-year-old Webb received his promotion after the dismissal of Joe Lombardi following Denver’s 10-7 defeat to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. Webb has advanced rapidly within Payton’s coaching structure, transitioning from quarterback coach in 2023 and 2024 to his current role. He gained play-calling experience during a 2025 preseason matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.

The Broncos ranked 14th in scoring throughout the regular season, averaging 23.6 points per game, and Payton suggested part of the motivation involves accelerating the offensive tempo while maintaining their current system.