Sean Payton had plans to shake up the NFL landscape in 2024.
Following the departure of iconic Patriots coach Bill Belichick from New England after the 2023 season, Payton envisioned Belichick as his assistant, while also leading the Broncos. According to sources, he aimed to help Belichick surpass Don Shula’s record for the most wins by a coach, which currently stands at 347.
Belichick, sitting at 333 wins after 2023, would need 15 victories to break the record, and Payton believed that the Broncos could contribute significantly to this goal over a potential multi-year plan. However, the idea seemed to become “too complicated” and never advanced far beyond initial discussions with Broncos owner Greg Penner.
Despite this, the close relationship between Payton and Belichick—both of whom previously worked under the notorious Bill Parcells—made the idea plausible. “He’s one of the best players,” Belichick remarked to reporters, reflecting on their shared experiences under Parcells, which included a fair amount of tough love.
While breaking Shula’s record may not be on the horizon, Belichick has undeniably crafted a remarkable legacy as the Patriots’ head coach for 24 seasons. His tenure was highlighted by six Super Bowl victories and numerous playoff appearances, as well as three Coach of the Year awards.
In an ideal scenario, Payton would have had Belichick step in to coach the Broncos after a challenging 2023 season that ended with an 8-9 record, following a shaky start amid discussions around Russell Wilson’s performance.
After a bumpy first year, Payton turned things around, leading the Broncos to a 10-7 finish in 2024 and securing a playoff berth for the first time in nearly a decade. In 2025, the defense stepped up, helping the team achieve a 14-3 record and advance to the AFC Championship.
Now entering 2026, the Broncos are poised for a Super Bowl run, kicking off the season on September 14 against the Chiefs.
