Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton moved up the coaching ranks in Week 1, and he surpassed a franchise legend to do it.
The Broncos beat the Tennessee Titans, logging a historic victory over rookie No. 1 overall draft pick and quarterback Cam Ward. With that, Payton earned his 171st regular-season victory, good for the 19th most in NFL history.
Payton overtook legendary Broncos HC Mike Shanahan in the process.
Broncos HC Sean Payton Reacts to Passing Mike Shanahan on Regular Season Wins List
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on during a game against the Tennessee Titans.
Payton spoke candidly about the milestone after Denver’s 20-12 win that was also his 19th as Broncos head coach.
“There’s certain times where you feel age. When I see good friends, they stay the same. When you see your good friends’ children growing up, you feel age. And you guys have heard me say before, I grew up on Mike Shanahan going to school at Eastern Illinois. At that time, he was the one guy that made it out, and made it into the NFL,” Payton told reporters via teleconference on September 8. “He’s been a tremendous close friend and, I would say, confidant. So, when I hear that, you don’t pay attention to that.
“I don’t know where that master list is, and it’s not something you look at. It’s kind of like, ‘All right.’ But it does put in perspective, maybe, how fortunate, how long the career has been. And then, how many good players I’ve been able to coach. And look, let’s hope I have a chance to win a second Super Bowl like Mike Shanahan. ”
Payton could end the 2025 season 11th on the all-time coaching wins list, overtaking Chuck Knox, but that would require an undefeated season from the Broncos. If the Broncos match last season’s win total, Payton could get as high as 13th.
To do that, Payton would have to pass to active coaches Pete Caroll of the Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens HC John Harbaugh.
Payton also passed another legend and two-time champ, Tom Coughlin, in the Broncos’ victory.
Sean Payton: Mike Shanahan ‘Going in Hall of Fame’
GettyMike Shanahan of the Denver Broncos motions on the field during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Shanahan is still the Broncos’ all-time winningest coach, and Payton sees more accolades on the way for his “close friend.”
“This is his year. This year, the next year, very soon, he’s going in the Hall of Fame,” Payton said. “Probably should have been in two, three years back. But that’s coming real quick. And so, something like that is – I think you reflect on it more than you focus on it.”
Perhaps Payton can pay tribute to Shanahan by emulating his Super Bowl run as he wishes.
Shanahan notched the Broncos’ first two Super Bowl wins, getting them in back-to-back seasons in 1997 and 1998.
Shanahan is still the Broncos’ all-time winningest coach.
Payton has been open about talking about reaching the Super Bowl with the 2025 Broncos, citing them among his previous title-contending teams. Fittingly, Shanahan has been vocal in support of that idea.
“They’ve got a chance to win the big one, and that’s what their goal is,” Shanahan said, per Tomasson on September 6.
Payton and the Broncos’ next test will be on the road against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2.
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