Broncos' Davis Webb Opens Up On Play-Calling Switch

The Denver Broncos are 2-2 entering Week 5, and head coach Sean Payton has reportedly seen enough of the offense. 

Davis Webb, the former quarterbacks coach who garnered head coach and OC interest this offseason, was promoted to OC by Payton after Joe Lombardi was fired. 

Payton even felt so highly of Webb that he allowed him play-calling duties, which is something Payton has done primarily during his successful run as an NFL head coach. 

Yet, ahead of Week 5, Payton decided to take back the keys to the offense. 

Whether or not Webb got a fair chance is another question, but the offense sure didn't look like a Super Bowl contender through the first four games of 2026. 

Webb spoke to reporters about the switch, and although he said it's "not ideal," he did say it is something he is ready to handle. 

 "I think the world of him and how we’ve gone about it. Really the ownership to our players. It’s not ideal, but in the same breath, it’s exciting because we’re 2-2 in the first four games. Our first four opponents were a combined 13-3 to start the season. Welcome to the league," Webb said, via Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post. 

Webb also admitted that it is a little disappointing, although that's part of the game, and something he dealt with time and time again during his days as a backup QB in the league. 

To be frank, it isn't surprising to see Sean Payton take the headset back. The Broncos are 27th in points per game with 18.5, and 29th in rushing yards, so there is certainly more to be desired from this group. 

In Week 1, the Broncos scored just 10 points against the Kansas City Chiefs, and they scored 14 against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 4. 

Sure, the schedule was difficult, and Webb might not have gotten much of a chance to get much momentum going. But at the end of the day, Payton has plenty of experience doing this, so why not give it a try? 

The Broncos face the winless Los Angeles Chargers, but can you imagine what happens if the Broncos offense flops in Week 5? 

Would Payton hand the duties over again? Who knows, although it's unlikely given the way LA has played this season. 

Nonetheless, Davis Webb is a future head coach in the NFL no matter which way you look at it, and he very well could land a HC or OC job in 2027, if he leaves Denver. 

He's that special, and this seems like a small bump in the road for an up-and-coming assistant coach in the league.