Willie Snead IV, Denver Broncos
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Willie Snead #83 of the New Orleans Saints in action against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Denver Broncos have leaned on familiarity this offseason, including in free agency, and that trend continued with head coach Sean Payton finalizing a critical component–his staff-for the 2026 campaign.
Payton has made a host of changes this offseason, including handing off play-calling duties to former quarterbacks coach Davis Webb.
Now, Payton has reunited with another former associate in Denver with the Broncos.
Broncos Add Willie Snead in Final Decision
Ex-49ers WR Willie Snead
GettyWillie Snead IV #83 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on against the Washington Commanders.
The Broncos announced that Payton had finalized his staff for the 2026 season, and it includes former NFL wide receiver Willie Snead. Snead was an undrafted free agent who spent nine seasons in the league.
He last played in 2023, with and/or against several players on the Broncos’ current roster, including J.K. Dobbins (Baltimore Ravens) and Talanoa Hufanga (San Francisco 49ers).
Snead’s arrival was expected.
“Sources: The #Broncos are expected to hire former NFL wide receiver Willie Snead as a coaching assistant,” NFL reporter Joseph Pasteris reported on X on March 12. “Another former player joins Sean Payton’s staff in Denver.”
Fox Sports’ Greg Auman added, “Snead’s father, Willie Snead III, was a longtime high school coach in South Florida, so cool to see this.”
Snead also played for Payton for three seasons with the New Orleans Saints (2015-2017).
Broncos Draw Attention With Coaching Staff
GettyDrew Brees #9 and Zach Strief #64 of the New Orleans Saints celebrate as they leave the field after beating the Atlanta Falcons.
Webb and Snead are not the only changes that drew attention in their own right for Payton and the Broncos.
“Interesting: Director of game management Evan Rothstein is also now the assistant QBs coach,” The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel posted in reaction to the news. “Chris Morgan listed as OL coach with Zach Strief RGC/assistant HC.”
“Offensive QCs: Willie Snead, Kyle Kempt and JD Johnson.”
Strief is another former player and ex-Saint. Kempt was a QB at Iowa State from 2016 through 2018. But the noteworthy staff news for the Broncos did not stop there, either.
“Pretty interesting: JD Johnson was a 3-star Michigan QB commit in class of 2020. Medically retired due to heart issue, pivoted to coaching/student assistant gig. Six years later, he’s working with the #Broncos staff,” The Denver Post’s Luca Evans reported on X on March 12, amid the reactions to Denver’s decisions.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero noted, “One notable move: The Broncos promoted Chris Morgan to offensive line coach,” reporting that “Morgan had options elsewhere, but Denver wanted to retain him and is giving him a new title entering his 18th NFL season.”
Broncos Offseason Delivering Continuity
Sean Payton, Denver Broncos
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on before a game against the Washington Commanders.
The Broncos are on track to return every offensive starter and all but two on defense–defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers and linebacker Dre Greenlaw–from the 2025 season back for the 2026 campaign.
That is a strong position to be in, and a big vote of confidence about a group that won 14 games during the regular season and reached the AFC Championship Game.
They also expect to have Bo Nix healthy for the start of next season.
He missed the AFCCG with a broken bone in his ankle that required surgery. The Broncos believe they would have made it to the Super Bowl had they had Nix under center, and their offseason approach reflects that.