Report: Broncos Make Lou Ayeni New RBs Coach
Sean Payton has put the finishing touches on his Broncos coaching staff, as ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Monday that Denver hired Northwestern assistant Lou Ayeni as its running backs coach.
The remainder of Payton's cabinet was officially announced Saturday.
A converted NFL safety and linebacker, Ayeni led the Wildcats' RB room since 2018, after holding the same position at Iowa State (2014-17), where he was also the associate head coach and run game coordinator. Ditto for his prior stint (2010-13) at Toledo.
"Ayeni has shined coaching RBs for Northwestern, Iowa State and Toledo. Also interviewed for Kansas' head-coaching job. Has had many NFL opportunities. Strong hire for Sean Payton," ESPN college analyst Adam Rittenberg opined.
Interestingly, two of Ayeni's former star pupils — Kareem Hunt and David Montgomery — are set to hit unrestricted free agency next month, and the needy Broncos now have a potential pipeline to their services.
Left untouched, Ayeni inherits a group featuring presumed starter Javonte Williams (who's rehabbing a multi-ligament knee injury), 2022 midseason addition (and cut candidate) Chase Edmonds, and practice squad-types Damera Crockett (also returning from an ACL) and Tyler Badie.
The Broncos ranked 21st in rushing offense last year, averaging 113.8 yards per game.
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