Sean Payton was in Phoenix on Thursday in the lead-up to the Super Bowl.
Cardinals fans were hoping it would be his permanent coaching home in 2023 and beyond, but alas, Payton chose the Broncos for his new gig.
Former NFL quarterback and current FOX analyst Terry Bradshaw caused a stir earlier in the week when he said Payton passed on the Cardinals job because he didn’t want to coach Kyler Murray.
Terry Bradshaw knew about Sean Payton.
Vic knew Terry knew.
Here’s the scoop:@VicLombardi | @AltitudeTV | @NFLonFOX | @SuperBookSports | #SuperBowl | #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/SPov3bEAfI
— 92.5 FM – Denver's Altitude Sports Radio (@AltitudeSR) February 7, 2023
Kay Adams of the Up & Adams Show asked Payton about it, lightheartedly asking why Payton hates Murray. Payton gave a quick denial and explained that Bradshaw erred with his comments.
“I don’t hate Kyler Murray,” Payton said. “…I like Kyler Murray. My son is his biggest fan. After the interview (in Arizona) my son sent me all his high school throws, college throws.
“The other day Terry Bradshaw was interviewed, and I love Terry. That group I worked with has been amazing. But when Terry gets interviewed, you hold your breath, because you don’t know what’s going to come out.
“I think from Terry’s perspective, I know he would have felt better if I was coming back to FOX, so there wasn’t going to be anyone good enough, in his eyes, for me. He was going to look at it like, ‘He’s not going there, he’s not going there, he’s not gonna go there.’
“I saw him last night and I said, ‘Terry, I appreciate the kind words – and I appreciate you waiting until after my press conference to completely blow this story up – but, no, I think (Murray) is extremely talented.”
Payton then went on to explain an issue he saw in Arizona.
“I think they have the same challenges there that we have in Denver,” Payton said. “They are very similar challenges. Culture in the building has to be better. It just does. Two young coaches, it got away from them. It happens.”
Payton was asked why he ultimately chose the Broncos over the Cardinals.
“There was a different fit in Denver,” Payton said. “Arizona was fantastic. The interview was great. Obviously it’s a great place to live. … My instincts were pushing me in a direction with Denver. When the process began, 9 AM LA time on the 17th (of January), that’s the first day I could interview, there they were.”
