Broncos HC Sean Payton reacts to expected John Harbaugh, Giants marriage

Current Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has known former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh for some time, as the two were both assistants with the Philadelphia Eagles during the 1998 NFL season. 

While nothing had been made official as of Friday morning, individuals within the New York Giants certainly seemed confident at that time that they soon would be able to announce that Harbaugh will be Big Blue's next head coach. While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Payton was asked about the expected Harbaugh-Giants marriage. 

Sean Payton happy that John Harbaugh landed with Giants

"Yes, I saw that," Payton said about the Harbaugh news, per Jon Heath of Broncos Wire/USA Today. "I haven’t been in New York for years. I’m real close with both the Maras and the Tisch family (owners of the Giants). I’m excited for John. I consider him a close friend. [Mike Tomlin], the same way. It happened fast. I texted him earlier in the week, but then… He said, 'Hey, if I want to call you,' I said, 'Call, yes, at any time.' I think that moved quickly, and I’m happy for him."

Payton was referencing how Tomlin stepped down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers after spending 19 seasons in the role earlier this week. 

As for Payton's admiration for the Giants, he was their quarterbacks coach during the 1999 season and later served as the club's offensive coordinator from 2000-2002. There were whispers after he stepped down as head coach of the New Orleans Saints in January 2022 that he may one day want to end his coaching career with the Giants, but nothing came of such rumors. 

Payton also spent three years working for the Dallas Cowboys in the 2000s before he accepted the Saints job.

Sean Payton also excited about what's to come for the Giants

"I’m happy for the Giants just for those years there," Payton added during his comments. "My first however many years in the league were Eagles, Giants, Cowboys for quite a while. I say this, sometimes we can’t control our bloodlines, where we end up. I’ve been blessed when you look at the programs, and here now, and the tradition. Sometimes you don’t have control over that. So I’m excited for him."

Perhaps Payton and Harbaugh will one day face each other on a big stage before they ultimately ride off into the sunset of retirement.