Unexpected HC candidates emerge in Denver after Sean Payton interest evaporates

The Broncos' interest in former Saints HC Sean Payton might evaporate. They're shifting their focus toward 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans and former Stanford head coach David Shaw, per NBC Sports' Mike Florio.

"As of right now, it does not seem like there is a place for Payton," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said Wednesday. Rapoport reported only one team offered him a second interview, the Cardinals. 

Perhaps Denver and others had second thoughts about New Orleans' compensation price. The Saints reportedly wanted two first-round picks for Payton, who's under contract until 2024. 

Considering Ryans makes sense. He played in the NFL for 10 seasons, making two Pro Bowls. He spent two years as San Francisco DC, coaching the league's No. 1 defense in 2022. 

On the flip side, Shaw's candidacy perplexes. While he was Baltimore QB/WR coach from 2002-05, most of his HC experience came at the college level, where he spent 12 seasons at Stanford. He guided Stanford to a 2012 Rose Bowl victory, but after losing records in three of his last four seasons, Shaw stepped down. 

Although Ryans seems more fresh and qualified, Shaw's connection to part-owner and former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice gives him an edge.

Rice is a former Stanford provost and professor who helped Shaw recruit when he was its HC. According to Florio, Rice had a substantial role in Denver's HC interviews. 

If Denver hires Shaw instead of Payton or Ryans, it's not a surprise.