A general view of a Denver Broncos helmet. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Broncos head coach search is in shambles

After missing out on several top head-coaching candidates, the Broncos' search is in shambles and left Denver scrambling for alternatives. 

"In the next week, we're going to know a lot more," former Saints HC Sean Payton said Sunday on FOX Sports. 

Yet Denver scheduled no second interview with Payton, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. 

Also, Payton recently refuted a Washington Post report that claimed he feared a power struggle with an unnamed member of Denver's ownership group.

Denver reached out to Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh twice, and he rejected the Broncos twice. Two weeks ago, Harbaugh announced he was returning to Ann Arbor after a video interview with Denver. 

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Broncos owner Greg Penner flew to Michigan and met Harbaugh last week, but he re-affirmed his commitment to the Wolverines. 

Dallas DC Dan Quinn decided to remain with the Cowboys, while 49ers DC DeMeco Ryans is expected to become Houston's next head HC via Rapoport and Pelissero.   

These candidates turning Denver down threw the organization for a loop. It has not expanded the candidate pool and has scheduled no interviews.

"The perception is the Broncos can't get who they want, don't know who they want or some of both," wrote NBC Sports' Mike Florio. 

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