Former New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton Dec 12, 2021; East Rutherford, N.J.,USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton in the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos reportedly face one major obstacle in the hiring of Sean Payton.

Payton, the former Super Bowl champion coach with the New Orleans Saints is concerned about a potential power struggle within the Broncos organization, according to Washington Post reporter Mark Maske.

“The Carolina Panthers are no longer an option for Sean Payton,” Maske wrote about the Panthers’ recent hiring of former Indianapolis Colts coach Frank Reich.

“And there was an issue with Payton’s interview with the Broncos. Payton likes the idea of coaching Russell Wilson and having that defense but fears a potential power struggle with a member of the ownership group, source says.”

According to Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd, Wilson wants Payton in Denver as well.

“The reality with Russell Wilson, most people understand the problem with Russell right now,” Cowherd said on Jan. 20th. “He’s too isolated. He’s got this chiropractor, and this throwing coach, and his own office. And though it doesn’t bother me, there is a sense, and it’s well reported and well documented now that Russell’s a little isolated from a lot of the young players, young receivers on the team… Sean can fix it. Sean, I know, can fix it. And Russell Wilson has contacted Sean, legally by the way, through channels, he wants Sean Payton. He needs fixing. He knows he needs fixing.”

Whether the Broncos can assuage Payton’s concerns and make the deal happen remain to be seen.

[Mark Maske]