Sean Payton is the current head coach of the NFL’s Denver Broncos. The 62-year-old was born on December 29, 1963, in San Mateo, California, and grew up in Naperville, Illinois.
He has been married to Skylene Montgomery since June 18, 2021. The couple met at an NFL game in 2014 a. Payton has two children from his previous marriage to Beth Shuey (1992-2014): daughter Meghan (born 1997), who works in media, and son Connor (born 2000), who is pursuing a career in an NFL front office. Meghan married writer and actor Chris Titone in June 2023.
Payton began his career as a quarterback for Eastern Illinois University, graduating in 1986 after leading the Panthers to an 11-2 record and the Division I-AA Playoffs quarter-finals. He played professionally in 1987 with the Chicago Bears and in 1988 overseas in Britain for the Leicester Panthers before transitioning to coaching in 1988.
Sean Payton’s Salary
Payton earns approximately $18 million per year as head coach of the Denver Broncos under his five-year contract signed in February 2023. This makes him one of the highest-paid head coaches in the NFL, second only to Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh (who earn approximately $20 million annually).
What is Sean Payton’s Net Worth in 2026?
As per Celebrity Net Worth’s report, Payton has an estimated net worth of $45-50 million. A substantial portion of his wealth comes from his head coaching contracts (15-year tenure with the New Orleans Saints (2006-2021) and his ongoing contract with the Denver Broncos).
Additional income comes from endorsement deals, media appearances, and his involvement in the production of the 2022 film “Home Team,” which dramatized his 2012 suspension while coaching his son’s sixth-grade football team.
Sean Payton’s Contract
Payton signed a five-year contract with the Denver Broncos in February 2023, paying him approximately $18 million annually through the 2027 season. Payton stepped down from the New Orleans Saints with three years remaining on his contract. During his final years with the Saints, he earned approximately $12-15 million per year.
Also Read: What is Sean McDermott’s Salary and Net Worth in 2026?
Sean Payton’s Coaching Career
San Diego State University (1988-1992)
Sean Payton began his coaching career at San Diego State University in 1988 as a quarterbacks, tight ends, and offensive assistant coach under head coach Al Luginbill. During his five-season tenure (1988-1992), the program compiled a 25-30 record.
University of Miami (Ohio) (1993-1994)
Payton was promoted to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Miami (Ohio) from 1993 to 1994. During his two seasons, the RedHawks compiled a 13-7-2 record.
University of Illinois (1995-1996)
In 1995-1996, Payton served as quarterbacks coach for the University of Illinois Fighting Illini.
Philadelphia Eagles (1997-1998)
Payton began his NFL coaching career in 1997 with the Philadelphia Eagles as a quarterbacks coach under head coach Ray Rhodes. In his first season, the Eagles’ quarterbacks passed for 4,009 yards. After the 1998 season, when Ray Rhodes was fired, Payton was also let go.
New York Giants (1999-2002)
Payton joined the New York Giants in 1999 as a quarterbacks coach under head coach Jim Fassel. In 2000, he was promoted to offensive coordinator. During his four-year tenure, Payton helped guide the Giants to Super Bowl XXXV following the 2000 season.
Under his offensive coordination from 2000-2002, the Giants compiled a 29-19 record, with the 2000 season producing a 12-4 record and a trip to the Super Bowl.
Dallas Cowboys (2003-2005)
Payton joined the Dallas Cowboys in 2003 as assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach under head coach Bill Parcells. In his three seasons, he worked with three different quarterbacks, Quincy Carter, Vinny Testaverde, and Drew Bledsoe, each achieving 3,000-yard passing seasons.
Payton improved the Cowboys’ passing attack from 31st in the league to 15th. The organization rewarded his impact with a pay raise in 2004, and by 2005, Parcells had promoted him to assistant head coach and offensive pass game coordinator.
New Orleans Saints (2006-2021)
On February 23, 2006, Sean Payton was named the 10th head coach in New Orleans Saints history at age 42. He took over a franchise that had never won a playoff game in its history and had not made the playoffs in five consecutive seasons.
In his inaugural season (2006), Payton flipped the script, improving the Saints from 3-13 to 10-6, a seven-win improvement in a Super Bowl year following Hurricane Katrina. The Saints won their first NFC South division title and made the playoffs, losing in the NFC Championship Game to the Chicago Bears 39-14.
The 2007-2008 seasons saw improvement but disappointing playoff exits. However, the 2009 season proved historic. The Saints surged to 13-3 and reached and won Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010, defeating the Indianapolis Colts 31-17. Payton became just the seventh active head coach to lead a team to a Super Bowl victory.
Over his 15 seasons in New Orleans (2006-2021), Payton compiled a 152-89 regular-season record (.631 winning percentage) and a 9-9 playoff record. He led the Saints to five NFC South division titles and multiple playoff berths.
Payton’s Major Accomplishments as New Orleans Saints’ HC:
- Super Bowl XLIV Championship (2009 season)
- Nine playoff wins (most in Saints franchise history)
- Sent 31 players to Pro Bowls during his tenure
- Established a prolific offense that scored 45+ points in 16 games (12 under his tenure)
Payton stepped down following the 2021 season (9-8 record), three years before his contract expired.
Denver Broncos (2023-Present)
After one season away from coaching (2022), Sean Payton was hired by the Denver Broncos on February 14, 2023. The Broncos welcomed his return with a five-year, approximately $90 million deal ($18 million annually).
In his inaugural season (2023), Payton posted an 8-9 record. The team improved to 10-7 in 2024, making the playoffs before losing in the Wild Card Round to the Buffalo Bills 31-7.
In 2025, the Broncos surged to 14-3, their best regular-season record since winning Super Bowl 50 in 2015. Denver captured the AFC West division title and earned the #1 seed in the AFC.
The team won their first AFC Championship Game appearance since 2015, setting up a chance for Payton to become one of just eight head coaches to lead multiple franchises to the Super Bowl, and potentially the only coach to win Super Bowls with two different teams if successful.
The Broncos take on the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium. The kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 PM ET.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many Super Bowls did Sean Payton win?
Sean Payton has won one Super Bowl as a head coach. He led the New Orleans Saints to victory in Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010, defeating the Indianapolis Colts 31-17. If he wins the Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos in 2026, he would become the only coach in NFL history to win Super Bowls with two different franchises.
What is the average salary of an NFL coach?
The average salary of an NFL head coach is around $6.6 million annually. The highest-paid head coaches include Andy Reid (Kansas City Chiefs) and John Harbaugh (New York Giants), each at approximately $20 million per year; Sean Payton (Denver Broncos) at approximately $18 million per year; and Jim Harbaugh (Los Angeles Chargers) at approximately $18 million per year.
Is Sean Payton married?
Sean Payton has been married to Skylene Montgomery since June 18, 2021. The couple met at an NFL game in 2014 and married in a private ceremony in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, officiated by Payton’s friend Avery Johnson.
Skylene is a former beauty pageant competitor (Miss Virginia) and worked as a nurse before her marriage to Payton. Payton was previously married to Beth Shuey from 1992-2014, with whom he has two adult children: Meghan and Connor.
How much do NFL assistant coaches make?
NFL assistant coaches make around $5.5 million every year on average. However, coordinators and senior assistant coaches often earn significantly more, typically ranging from $1.5 to $ 3 million annually, depending on experience and track record.
Does Sean Payton have a degree?
Sean Payton earned a degree from Eastern Illinois University, where he played quarterback for the Panthers (1983-1986). He graduated in 1986 after leading the team to an 11-2 record and the Division I-AA Playoffs quarter-finals.
