Sean Payton disappointed Broncos couldn't get hold of Vic Fangio: "You guys scared him away"
Whether it's the Denver Broncos or another team, it's not every day that a former head coach returns as a defensive coordinator. However, it appears the team was dead set on hiring their former head coach.
While Vance Joseph ultimately got the gig, the team also had an interest in bringing back another former head coach, Vic Fangio.
At least, that is what Sean Payton revealed during a statement made during the NFL Combine. Taking to Twitter, NFL reporter Matt Lombardo mentioned that he was the original plan, but he was "scared away."
Will Vic Fangio finish with more wins than Sean Payton in 2023?
Sean Payton: “Vic [Fangio] was part of the plan, and then you guys scared him away.” #Broncos #NFL
"'Vic [Fangio] was part of the plan, and then you guys scared him away.'"
It is unclear to whom he was referring in the statement. He could be referring to the media, or he could be looking at the organization that fired him.
He could also have been referencing the fans' echoes of anger reverberating around the Colorado Rocky Mountains on Sundays. Of course, it could have been a reference to all three.
Sean Payton on wanting Vic Fangio as DC and why it didn’t work out: https://t.co/3nPR5OfY4G
That said, it is unknown what the true reason was for the former head coach to choose the Dolphins over the Broncos.
Fans could agree with Sean Payton, or they could look at other factors such as the weather difference or simply getting out of Patrick Mahomes' division.
Broncos post-Manning era struggles inch closer to doubling era with QB
Fangio led the Denver Broncos to a 19-30 record in his three seasons coaching the team. In two of his three years, the team finished last in the AFC West.
Meanwhile, during Joseph's tenure, the team went 11-21 in two seasons and finished third one year and fourth the next.
Vic Fangio's 7-9 record as a rookie head coach has been the best season put together by the team since 2016 when they went 9-7. The team finished second in the division that year.
Will Sean Payton beat the bar set in the post-Manning era that, at this point, has lasted double the length of time that the Sherrif was in town?
If any of the above quotes are used, please credit Matt Lombardo and H/T Sportskeeda.