Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton publicly apologized for his harsh criticism of the team’s former staff, admitting his comments were a “mistake.” Previously, Payton had called it “one of the worst coaching jobs in the history of the NFL.” The coach, who worked as a FOX broadcaster last season, took responsibility for his comments, and stated his intention to apologize to New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh and former Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett. The Broncos are set to play the Jets in Denver in week 5. Jacob Lev reported
Denver Broncos’ Coach Sean Payton Expresses Regret over Past Comments
The head coach of Denver Broncos, Sean Payton, has expressed remorse for his earlier criticism of the team’s former coaching staff, referring to his comments as a “blunder.”
Controversial Remarks about Predecessors
Payton, in a previous conversation with USA Today, had remarked that the former coaching team had performed “one of the worst coaching jobs in NFL history.” However, he has now retracted those comments.
Payton Realizes his Mistake
While interacting with journalists at the training camp on Friday, Payton admitted to his lapse of judgment. He said, “I had one of those moments where I still had my FOX hat on, and not my coaching hat on.
He continued, “I shared this with the team during our meeting yesterday. We’ve had a productive offseason in light of that. I’ve been promoting that message, and yet here I am, the experienced one, making a blunder.”
Learning from the Experience
Payton viewed the incident as a learning opportunity. “It was a mistake, clearly. I should have exercised more restraint before speaking … I said what I said, and clearly, I needed to show more restraint, and I regret that,” he acknowledged.
Payton, who is now 59 years old, spent the previous season as a FOX broadcaster. He was appointed by the Broncos during the recent offseason, succeeding former head coach Nathaniel Hackett. The Broncos had let go of Hackett following a 4-11 season.
Apology to be Extended
Payton also mentioned that he plans to apologize to New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator and former Broncos head coach Hackett, when the time is right. He expressed his respect for Saleh, and acknowledged that his comments may have added some extra interest to the upcoming game against the Jets.
The Jets are expected to face the Broncos in Denver in week 5.
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