Report: Broncos to interview Sean Payton

The Denver Broncos have received permission from the New Orleans Saints to interview Sean Payton for their vacant head coaching position, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Sean Payton spoke on the phone with Broncos ownership, and there's mutual interest, sources tell theScore's Jordan Schultz.

The 59-year-old Payton is still under contract with the Saints. No team can conduct an in-person interview with him until at least Jan. 17, per the NFL.

The Broncos would need to compensate the Saints if they hire Payton. The two sides appear to be on the same page regarding what the compensation would look like, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Payton stepped down as New Orleans' head coach after the 2021 season. He spent 16 years as the Saints' head boss.

The Broncos fired head coach Nathaniel Hackett after he posted a 4-11 record during his first season. There have been no other reported interviews scheduled for Denver's vacancy.