When the Head Coach Gives Up the Call Sheet

Sean Payton spent most of his head-coaching career calling offense. Denver’s decision to hand that responsibility to Davis Webb deserves more than a one-game grade.

Updated September 15, 2026

A meaningful coaching change

Payton announced before the season that offensive coordinator Davis Webb would take over primary play-calling. The idea gives Payton more room to manage the entire game while developing a young coach who had attracted attention around the league.

The first result was rough

Kansas City beat Denver 31–10. The Broncos finished with 176 total yards, nine first downs and only two third-down conversions. Bo Nix threw for 131 yards as Denver struggled to establish a rhythm.

Do not confuse evidence with a verdict

Those numbers belong in the evaluation, but Webb did not create every problem. Protection, turnovers, execution and Kansas City’s defense all mattered. Payton also accepted responsibility rather than isolating his coordinator after the loss.

The real storyline starts now

The question is whether Payton allows Webb to grow through the difficult moments. Does the offense become more balanced? Does Webb settle into the job? Does Payton remain patient, become more involved or eventually reclaim the call sheet? That is a coaching story worth tracking all season.