NFL Rumors: Sean Payton, Jim Harbaugh Still Broncos Options; No Mystery Candidate

Both Jim Harbaugh and Sean Payton could still be options for the Denver Broncos as they try to find a new head coach, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on The Pat McAfee Show Tuesday:

“Until Sean says ‘I’m definitely going back to TV’ or until Harbaugh says ‘We’re good and I’m definitely going back to Michigan,’ those are still options,” Rapoport said.

Rapoport added that there isn’t a mystery candidate at this point in the search.

“I was told very strongly it is not someone we don’t know,” he added.

Harbaugh had seemingly already announced he was out of the running for the Denver job earlier this month, saying his “heart is at the University of Michigan.”

Michigan president Santa Ono also confirmed the coach would remain at the school.

The Broncos still maintained their pursuit of Harbaugh with CEO Greg Penner holding a face-to-face meeting in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported on Saturday “the door remains open” for Harbaugh’s return to the NFL.

Payton, meanwhile, has had one interview with the Broncos and remains in the mix. He denied reports about a problem with a member of ownership:

However, the Broncos have not requested a second interview with Payton and it’s become likely he will return to television next season, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans had appeared to be a top choice for the Broncos job, but he has dropped out amid links to the Houston Texans. Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has also informed teams he will return to his role.

According to Rapoport and Pelissero, the Broncos informed previous candidates Raheem Morris, David Shaw, Jim Caldwell and Ejiro Evero that they are no longer in the running for the head coaching job.