Broncos HC Sean Payton gives OC Davis Webb big opportunity with 2026 plan

It's time for Davis Webb's close-up.

On Tuesday, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton confirmed a significant behind-the-scenes change to the organization in 2026 when he told reporters that Webb, promoted to offensive coordinator from offensive pass game coordinator/quarterbacks coach this offseason, will be the team's play-caller this fall. The decision gives Webb, 31, a huge spotlight on the reigning AFC No. 1 seed and an opportunity for a quick pathway to a head-coaching gig.

Broncos OC Davis Webb could be hottest name next hiring cycle after receiving play-calling duties

Payton has been one of the NFL's top offensive play-callers since the 2000s, when he helped turn around the New Orleans Saints with one of the league's most explosive offenses. He relinquished the role after suffering a broken leg on the sideline of a Week 6 game in 2011. But since returning from suspension in 2013, he's maintained play-calling duties, making the decision to give the responsibility to Webb a significant departure.

It may have helped that the Broncos have had a middle-of-the-pack offense in Payton's first three seasons as head coach, ranking No. 14 in scoring (23.2 points per game) and No. 24 in total offense (321.9 yards per game) during that span (2023-2025).

Webb's positive working relationship with Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is also a benefit, particularly following Payton's comments about Nix's injury history that the quarterback didn't agree with after he fractured his ankle in the team's AFC divisional-round overtime win over the Buffalo Bills.

"I think Davis is a tremendous coach," Nix told the team's official website earlier this offseason. "He's helped me in two years just consolidate, make things simple, and just keep the main thing the main thing. 

"Taking a lot of information, a lot of knowledge, and been able to just roll right into it. I think highly of him. I know he's a really good football coach," Nix added.

If the rising third-year quarterback takes a leap in 2026, Webb will get a lot of calls during next offseason's hiring cycle.

On the flip side, it will be interesting to see what happens if the Broncos offense is slow out of the gate. How long of a leash will Payton give Webb before wanting the reins back?

That's a risk the rising offensive coordinator should happily accept considering the potential payoff.