Rex Ryan Believes Sean Payton Has Made ‘Mistake’ With Broncos’ 2026 Coaching Staff

Rex Ryan thinks that Sean Payton has made a mistake.

The ESPN NFL analyst is calling out the Denver Broncos head coach for giving up play-calling duties in 2026. Ryan believes that Payton is one of the best play-callers in NFL history. However, the Broncos are letting offensive coordinator Davis Webb call plays this season.

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The Broncos fell to the Chiefs, 31-10, in Week 1.

Payton is sticking with his decision to let Webb call plays. However, Ryan believes that the Broncos are making a mistake.

“I think that’s a mistake,” Ryan said of Webb taking over play-calling duties on “Sunday NFL Countdown” this morning.

“I thought it was a mistake from jump. Sean Payton’s one of the best play callers in the history of our game, and you know who else knows it? His team knows it.”

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Ryan thinks Payton will regret this move

“So why the (heck) would you take that away? Look, one of the reasons you got that job, you’ve had the success you’ve had in your career, is because you call the offense. I mean, and look, I had great assistant coaches, don’t get me wrong. Mike Pettine was a hell of a coach. Dennis Thurman, a hell of a coach. My brother, a hell of a coach. But they weren’t as good as me, in my opinion. All right? No, and I’m just saying. And my team believed that. Sean Payton’s team knows he’s the best.”

Ryan thinks that Payton should go back to calling plays.

“Yes,” Ryan said when asked if Payton should change his decision

He added, “Sean Payton the synergy around him is the fact you’re getting this great play caller as well as an outstanding head coach.”

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This story was originally published September 20, 2026 at 5:11 PM.