On Thursday, the NFL announced five finalists for the 2024 Associated Press Coach of the Year award. Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton was named as one of the finalists.
In just his second season as head coach, Payton led the Broncos to a 10-7 season and their first playoff appearance since 2015.
Prior to the season, there was much media speculation on just how well the Broncos would do. With rookie quarterback Bo Nix at the helm, not many experts had confidence in the team. In fact, many experts projected the Broncos would finish as one of the worst teams in the NFL.
The finalists for AP Coach of the Year and Assistant Coach of the Year! #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/IdWBbCWF4F
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Instead, Payton and his ‘young and hungry’ Broncos defied most expectations. Nix silenced many doubters and played well enough to be named a finalist for the Rookie of the Year award.
Looking back, Nix landed in one of the best situations for a rookie quarterback. He ended up with a veteran head coach who has a knack for being a quarterback whisperer.
“He’s meant a lot,” Nix said of Payton at the end of the season. “He gave me my first chance. He believed in me. He was quick to have my back at all times. … It’s just that support and having a coach that has your back and encourages me like that, [that] means a lot. [It] helps me play fast and helps me play with confidence, even though we both know that I’m going to make mistakes. We both know that I’m going to want some things back, but he coached me really well.”
Even after being with coach Payton for just one season, Nix is excited for what’s to come in the future for the pair.
“I was fortunate to be coached by him, by one of the best of all time,” Nix continued. “I’m excited to move forward after the learning that we did this year, continue to get closer with one another and understand each other better. [I’m] just thankful for his willingness and the opportunity to play for him. He drafted me, and that says a lot.”
The Detroit Lions’ Dan Campbell, Minnesota Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell, Washington Commanders’ Dan Quinn, and Kansas City Chiefs’ Andy Reid are also nominated for the Coach of the Year Award. The winning coach will be announced at the NFL Honors on Thursday, Feb. 6.