Zaviar Gooden, Denver Broncos
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Zaviar Gooden #52 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up before a game against the Oakland Raiders.
The Denver Broncos are still reworking their group in the final hours before the NFL’s legal tampering period, and not just their roster. Their latest addition, Zaviar Gooden, has playing experience. But Gooden will bolster Broncos head coach Sean Payton’s staff.
Payton is entering his fourth season at the helm of the Broncos. This offseason has already seen the most dramatic changes to his staff since he took over.
Payton’s newest hire is fitting given the Broncos’ needs heading into the offseason.
Broncos Add Former Journeyman LB to Sean Payton’s Staff
Sean Payton, Denver Broncos
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on before a game against the Washington Commanders.
Payton and the Broncos parted with multiple coaches, mostly on the offensive side of the ball, which brings into question just what Gooden’s role will be.
Nevertheless, he is apparently headed to Denver for the 2026 season.
“#Broncos add former #Titans #Cardinals #Lions linebacker Zaviar Gooden to staff, per league source,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X on March 8. “[Gooden] previously worked @LSUfootball.”
Gooden had been with the Tigers since the 2022 season, and he served as an assistant development coach.
He was also the strength and conditioning coach at USC in 2021.
“In his two seasons with the Tigers, LSU has won a combined 20 games, claimed a pair of bowl victories and won the SEC Western Division in 2022,” Gooden’s profile on LSU’s official website reads.
Gooden had stops at Notre Dame. His pre-coaching background includes stints as a trainer at CRA-Z Sports Training (2019-2020) and D1 Sports Training (2018 and 2019).
A “standout” at Missouri, Gooden is also a certified weightlifting coach.
Broncos Reunite Recent Draft Pick With Former Coach
Sai'vion Jones at LSU's pro day.
GettySai’vion Jones of the LSU Tigers participates in drills during LSU Pro Day.
Gooden joining the Broncos and Payton’s staff, perhaps fittingly, coincides with the presumed departure of starting defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers. Outspoken about his desire to stay but the lack of activity on that front, Franklin-Myers is a free agent this season.
The Broncos are expected to try replacing Franklin-Myers internally.
Sai’vion Jones, the 101st overall pick of the 2025 draft, was at LSU with Gooden from 2022 through 2024.
Jones had 0 sacks in 11 games as a freshman. He had 6.0 sacks as a sophomore and 7.5 sacks during his final season in 2024. Jones spent last season as a reserve, playing in three games and logging 33 defensive snaps in the regular season, per Pro Football Reference.
The Broncos also have veteran Malcolm Roach. They extended him during the season and have utilized him as the veritable sixth man of the group.
Jones projects as the future of the position more so than Roach, who is still just 27.
Broncos Seemingly Following Familiar Pattern
Davis Webb
GettyQuarterbacks coach Davis Webb of the Denver Broncos looks on against the New Orleans Saints.
It would make sense for Payton and the Broncos to bring in a coach with whom Jones has familiarity. That could help him hit the ground running in what is tracking to be an expanded role in the defense, even if he is not starting.
The Broncos have seen the impacts that former players with strong interpersonal skills can have on a team.
Davis Webb went from quarterback to QB coach to OC and will call plays in 2026 because of it.
Payton and the Broncos may have a smaller role for Gooden. He can still have a similar effect on Jones and any other young players the Broncos hold over from last season and add during the offseason.