Sean Payton joins the Denver Broncos as head coach, DeMeco Ryans to the Texans

Sean Payton is set to be appointed the new head coach of the Denver Broncos, after a deal was finalised between the team and the New Orleans Saints.

Payton last coached for the Saints in 2021 but has remained under contract, which is why a trade needs to be negotiated.

Compensation involves Denver’s first-round pick from Miami via San Francisco (No. 30 overall) and a 2024 second-round pick will be sent to New Orleans for their 2024 third-round pick. The other package would send the Broncos’ 2024 first-round pick and a 2023 fourth-round pick. 

Elsewhere, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans has been hired as the next head coach of the Houston Texans.

Ryans, a former linebacker who began his NFL career with the Texans in 2006 and won Defensive Rookie of the Years honors with the team, has agreed a six-year deal with Houston.

The pairing has been in the works since late last week when Ryans emerged as the top candidate for the Texans’ head coaching gig.

Ryans takes over from Lovie Smith, who was fired earlier in 2023.

More to follow.