Sean Payton Fired Coordinator After Broncos' Playoff Loss
01/17/2025 08:49 AM
Sean Payton isn't wasting time when it comes to tweaking his coaching staff. On Friday morning, the Denver Broncos parted ways with one of their coordinators.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Broncos have fired special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica. He's held that position for the past two years. Prior to joining Denver's staff in 2023, he had a brief stint with the Minnesota Vikings as an assistant special teams coach. The veteran coach has also spent time with the Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets and Washington Commanders.
The Broncos will have to undergo a thorough search before replacing Kotwica. That being said, a candidate for the position has already emerged.
"With Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi available, that's quickly a name that makes sense for Sean Payton," Rapoport said. "Would expect they speak to him, at the least."
Rizzi worked under Payton from 2019-2021. He remained the special teams coordinator of the New Orleans Saints even after Payton's departure.
After the Saints fired Dennis Allen mid-season, Rizzi was named the team's interim coach. They went 3-5 with him in charge. Though he's not considered the favorite for the job, he's very much a candidate to fill New Orleans' head-coaching vacancy.
Kotwica might not be the only prominent coach that leaves the Broncos this season. There's a chance they lose defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. However, that's because he's a hot commodity this hiring cycle.
The Broncos showed tremendous growth in Payton's second season in Denver, winning 10 games in the regular season. The Super Bowl-winning coach believes the team's future will be bright as long as Bo Nix continues to develop.
"I know this: He's very conscientious. He comes in. He spends a lot of time here. He was here in my office for half an hour yesterday. I think it's all in front of him," Payton said. "I've said this before -- I think we've found that player that can lead us and be what we need relative to having the success we're used to having. I think we've found it."
It'll be fascinating to see what changes Payton makes to his staff for Year 3 in Denver.
Related: Denver Broncos Owner Has Warning For Chiefs Heading Into 2025
