Report: Broncos Hire Zach Strief as New OL Coach
New head coach Sean Payton has reportedly made his first hire with the Denver Broncos.
Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Broncos are tapping New Orleans Saints assistant offensive line coach Zach Strief as its new OL coach.
A "favorite of Payton" from their stint together in New Orleans, Strief was a standout lineman for the Saints, starting 94 games across a 12-year playing career that included first-team All-Pro honors and a Super Bowl XLIV championship. He announced his retirement in 2018.
In 2021, Strief returned to the Big Easy to begin his coaching career and, only a short time later, left an indelible mark.
"This is a loss for the coaching staff," opined Nick Underhill, who covers the Saints. "Zach Strief is one of the smartest people in the building."
Strief, 39, replaces former Broncos OL coach Butch Barry, who was fired in December by then-interim HC Jerry Rosburg. And he will immediately have his work cut out, tasked with revamping a unit that allowed an NFL-high 63 sacks this season.
Denver will feature several new starters along the O-line in 2023, with left tackle Garett Bolles and right guard Quinn Meinerz the likeliest holdovers to return under the Payton administration.
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