Payton Delegated Broncos Play-Calling Duties in February
Sean Payton turned over play-calling responsibilities to offensive coordinator Davis Webb before the 2026 season.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Football
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In February 2026, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton delegated primary play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Davis Webb. The team has navigated a mixed start to the 2026 campaign under this new arrangement.
Why it matters
The decision to shift play-calling represents a significant strategic change for the coaching staff, which continues to evaluate the effectiveness of the offense on a game-by-game basis following recent performance struggles.
The Broncos currently hold a 2-2 record in 2026, a departure from their 14-3 finish in the 2025 regular season. During the Week 4 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, quarterback Bo Nix averaged 3.7 yards per carry.
The players
Sean Payton
He serves as the head coach of the Denver Broncos and previously led the New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl victory.
Davis Webb
He is the offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos who took over primary play-calling duties in 2026.
Bo Nix
He is the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos.
Kay Adams
She is a prominent sports broadcaster and television personality.
Champ Bailey
He is a former professional football player and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee who played for the Broncos.
The details
The Broncos are currently adjusting to the new play-calling hierarchy after the team recorded a 24-14 loss against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 4. Fans and analysts have expressed concerns regarding the offense's trajectory, prompting increased scrutiny of the current coaching configuration.
Timeline
February 2026: Sean Payton delegated play-calling duties to Davis Webb.
2025 regular season: The Denver Broncos finished with a 14-3 record.
Week 4 2026: The Denver Broncos lost to the San Francisco 49ers.
October 5, 2026: Kay Adams and Champ Bailey discussed play-calling.
Week 5 2026: The Denver Broncos play the Los Angeles Chargers.
Season Trajectory
The team's current 2-2 performance stands in stark contrast to the 14-3 record achieved during the 2025 season. This early volatility complicates the Broncos' competitive balance within the division as they prepare for the Week 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Bo Nix recorded an average of 3.7 yards per carry against San Francisco, a metric that highlights the ground game challenges currently facing the offense. The team faces an immediate test in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers that will impact their standing in the division.
The takeaway
Strategic transitions in leadership often lead to initial inconsistency as teams adjust to new play-calling rhythms. Observing the results of the upcoming Week 5 game will reveal whether the current system can improve team efficiency.
Further reading
For more updates on the team, visit Denver Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EssentiallySports.
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