Jim Harbaugh, Sean Payton still viewed as Denver Broncos head coach candidates

Of the four current head coaching vacancies, the Denver Broncos’ job has been open the second-longest, meaning they should be fairly far along in their search. Except, unlike the Carolina Panthers, who have already made their hire, the Broncos don’t appear close to making their decision.

It’s not for a lack of candidates, as big names like Jim Harbaugh, Sean Payton, and DeMeco Ryans have all interviewed in Denver in addition to several more candidates, but the Broncos, for whatever reason, have yet to reach an agreement with anyone.

In the case of Ryans, he may no longer have interest in Denver’s vacancy and appears to have his heart set on coaching the organization he found success with as an NFL linebacker in Houston.

Just two weeks ago, Harbaugh noted his plans to return to his post as the Michigan Wolverines head coach, yet he still took a meeting with Broncos team owner Greg Penner just last week. Many were previously under the assumption that Harbaugh would no longer be in the running for any of the coaching vacancies in the 2023 hiring cycle, yet Ian Rapoport of NFL Network isn’t so convinced.

Jim Harbaugh, Sean Payton still viewed as Denver Broncos coach candidates

Syndication: USA TODAY — Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Specifically, Rapoport suggested that until Harbaugh physically signs another contract with Michigan, that he remains in the running for the Broncos’ vacancy. It’s worth noting that Harbaugh’s contract buyout is just $2.25 million this season, which for the richest owner in professional football, is like a drop in the ocean.

While Harbaugh still being alive in the Broncos’ coaching race is interesting, Rapoport also noted that former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton remains a candidate as well, with the reports that he had issues with the Broncos’ ownership group since refuted.

Other known candidates for the Broncos’ head coaching position include: