Lions HC Sounds Off on Why Sean Payton Will Turn Broncos Around

Whether you love or loathe the Denver Broncos' hiring of Sean Payton as head coach, one thing we can all agree on is that the 59-year-old is doing things his way.

With the finalization of his coaching staff completed last week, Payton led a Broncos contingent that includes GM George Paton to Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine this week. Thursday was the first day of on-field testing at Lucas Oil Stadium as prospects have interviewed with teams and completed medical examinations for the first half of the week.

Payton supporters like Terrell Davis and Marshawn Lynch have been emphatic with praise over Denver’s newest head coach and why he and Russell Wilson will work well together in 2023.

This week, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell explained it was only a matter of time before his former boss and mentor returned to the NFL.

"I felt like he just needed a breather," Campbell said via Aric DiLalla of the team website. "He needed a change of scenery. I had a feeling he would be back. I would say this: He looks rejuvenated. He definitely looks rejuvenated. If anybody can get that thing turned around out there, it's him."

What happens next for the Broncos? Don't miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our free newsletter and get breaking Broncos news delivered to your inbox daily!

Campbell, who is currently the betting favorite for 2023 Coach of the Year, was given his first coaching opportunity by Payton with the New Orleans Saints. The former tight end enjoyed a 10-year career playing for multiple teams, including the Saints, before he became the assistant head coach and tight ends coach in New Orleans from 2016-2020.

The Lions hired Campbell as head coach in 2021, at which point he reached out to Payton for his advice, opinions, and tutelage while settling into his new leadership position.

"I got both facets of it, as a player and a coach," Campbell revealed to The Detroit News last month at the Senior Bowl.

Remember, not only did Payton serve as a guiding mentor to Campbell, but he was also on the Saints coaching staff for eight of his seasons as a player. Campbell led his Lions to victory in eight of their last 10 games to conclude the 2022 season with a (9-8) overall record, which is a respectable accomplishment for the historically beleaguered franchise.

Campbell explained that Payton’s competitiveness and drive are natural attributes for him to optimize peak performance from his football team.

"He knows how to put his players in a position to have success, better than anyone I've ever been around," Campbell said. "He knows how to use the totality of the roster on game day. And man, I think his ability to know, hey, this is what this player needs. This player needs a boot in the rear, or this player needs a hug, or just how to motivate. Those are things you never forget. I know this; they're going to miss him across the way."

In 2023, Campbell’s Lions and Payton’s Broncos will square off in what I expect to be a very intense and competitive matchup.

Follow Mile High Huddle on Twitter and Facebook.

Subscribe to Mile High Huddle on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!