Sean Payton: Age, Play Calling, Career and Coaching Record

Sean Payton remains one of the most recognizable offensive-minded coaches in the NFL. In 2026, he is entering his fourth season as head coach of the Denver Broncos, but there has been an important change to his responsibilities: Davis Webb has taken over the primary offensive play-calling duties.

Payton’s decision has attracted attention because calling plays has been a major part of his coaching identity for much of his career. Here is everything to know about Sean Payton’s age, play calling, career and current role with the Broncos.

Sean Payton Age: How Old Is He?

Sean Payton was born on December 29, 1963, in San Mateo, California. He is 62 years old in 2026 and will turn 63 on December 29, 2026.

Payton played quarterback at Eastern Illinois before moving into coaching. His playing career included brief stops with the Chicago Bears, Chicago Bruisers and Ottawa Rough Riders in 1987.

His transition from quarterback to coach helped shape his offensive approach, particularly his interest in reading defenses and making adjustments before or during plays.

Is Sean Payton Calling Plays in 2026?

No, Sean Payton is not the Broncos’ primary play-caller in 2026.

Payton announced that Davis Webb, Denver’s offensive coordinator, would become the team’s primary offensive play-caller beginning with the 2026 season. The move represented a significant change after Payton had handled those duties for most of his head-coaching career.

Webb joined Payton’s Denver staff in 2023 and previously worked as the team’s quarterbacks coach and pass-game coordinator. He was promoted to offensive coordinator for 2026.

However, Payton remains heavily involved in the offense. He continues to work with Webb on game plans and play design and still has a play sheet on the sideline. Reports from the 2026 season indicate that Payton can provide suggestions and input during games.

So, the simple answer is:

Sean Payton is still involved in Denver’s offensive decisions, but Davis Webb is the primary play-caller in 2026.

Why Did Sean Payton Give Up Play Calling?

Payton’s decision came after the Broncos promoted Webb to offensive coordinator. NFL.com reported that Payton had been considering the change and believed Webb could help the team in that role. Payton specifically described Webb as extremely talented and noted his ability to operate quickly.

The move also helped Denver retain Webb after he attracted interest from other NFL teams during the 2026 coaching cycle. Webb had interviewed for head-coaching vacancies, including opportunities with the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders, according to NFL.com.

Payton’s role has therefore shifted from directly making the majority of offensive calls to overseeing the offense while allowing Webb to take responsibility for the calls on game day.

When Did Sean Payton Start Calling Plays?

Payton’s history as a play-caller goes back much further than his NFL head-coaching career.

He was already making decisions on offense during his playing days at Eastern Illinois. A Denver Post report noted that Payton had the freedom to change plays and make checks at the line of scrimmage during his college career.

That experience eventually became an important part of his coaching philosophy.

Payton first entered coaching in 1988 as an offensive assistant at San Diego State. He later coached at Indiana State, San Diego State, Miami (Ohio) and Illinois before moving into the NFL.

Sean Payton Coaching Career

Payton’s coaching career spans nearly four decades.

The Denver Broncos list Payton as having 37 years of coaching experience entering the 2026 season.

Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints

Payton became the New Orleans Saints’ head coach in 2006. His tenure transformed the franchise and included the most successful championship run in Saints history.

During the 2009 season, Payton led New Orleans to its first Super Bowl championship. The Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV.

Payton spent the 2006-21 seasons as New Orleans’ head coach, with the exception of the 2012 season, and accumulated a long record of success with the organization. The Broncos’ official biography notes that he led the Saints to the Super Bowl title and multiple NFC Championship Game appearances.

Sean Payton Career With the Denver Broncos

Denver hired Payton as its head coach in 2023. He entered the 2026 campaign with his fourth season in charge of the Broncos.

His Denver tenure has included significant development on offense, particularly with quarterback Bo Nix.

In 2024, Payton helped guide Denver back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2015 season. In 2025, the Broncos won the AFC West and reached the AFC Championship Game. The team’s official biography says Denver also tied its franchise record with 14 regular-season victories that year.

Sean Payton and Bo Nix

Payton has played an important role in the development of Bo Nix since Denver selected the quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Nix’s rookie season produced 3,775 passing yards and 29 touchdown passes, according to the Broncos. His development continued into the 2025 season as Denver reached the AFC Championship Game.

With Webb now calling the plays, Nix has a new voice in his headset on game days. Payton, however, remains involved in the overall offensive structure and game planning.

Sean Payton’s Playing Career

Before becoming a coach, Payton was a quarterback.

He played college football at Eastern Illinois from 1983 through 1986 and finished his college career with 10,665 passing yards. The Broncos note that he was a three-time Associated Press All-American and later had his jersey retired by Eastern Illinois.

Payton also had a brief professional playing career. In 1987, he appeared in three NFL games for the Chicago Bears. Pro Football Reference lists him with eight completions on 23 attempts for 79 passing yards during that NFL stint.

His playing career was short, but his experience as a quarterback became a foundation for his later work as an offensive coach.

Sean Payton Career: What Is His Current Role?

In 2026, Payton remains the head coach of the Denver Broncos. His responsibilities now focus more heavily on overseeing the entire team rather than personally making every offensive call.

The Broncos’ current coaching staff lists Davis Webb as offensive coordinator and Payton as head coach.

The change does not mean Payton has stepped away from the offense. Instead, he has delegated primary play-calling responsibility while continuing to collaborate with Webb.

FAQs

How old is Sean Payton?

Sean Payton is 62 years old in 2026. He was born December 29, 1963.

Is Sean Payton calling plays in 2026?

No. Davis Webb is the Broncos’ primary offensive play-caller in 2026, while Payton continues to provide offensive input.

Who calls plays for the Denver Broncos?

Davis Webb, Denver’s offensive coordinator, is the primary play-caller in 2026.

How long has Sean Payton been coaching?

Payton began his coaching career in 1988, giving him 37 years of coaching experience entering the 2026 season.

Did Sean Payton play football?

Yes. Payton played quarterback at Eastern Illinois and briefly played professionally, including three NFL games with the Chicago Bears in 1987.

What team does Sean Payton coach?

Sean Payton is the head coach of the Denver Broncos. He was hired by Denver in February 2023.

Conclusion

Sean Payton is 62 years old in 2026 and remains the Denver Broncos’ head coach. His career includes decades of coaching experience, a Super Bowl championship with the New Orleans Saints and a major offensive role in Denver.

The biggest change in 2026 is his approach to play calling. Davis Webb now handles the Broncos’ primary offensive play calls, while Payton remains closely involved in the offense, game planning and sideline decisions.

This makes 2026 a notable new chapter in Sean Payton’s coaching career: he remains the head coach and offensive architect, but he has handed primary play-calling responsibility to a younger member of his coaching staff.