ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The Denver Broncos formally announced Sean Payton as the team's newest head coach Friday.
Payton formally signed what sources told ESPN was a five-year contract Friday, but Payton has essentially been on the job since Wednesday, including interviewing prospective assistant coaches for his staff.
In a statement Friday afternoon Broncos owner/CEO Greg Penner called Payton "an outstanding leader and Super Bowl champion with a brilliant offensive mind'' and added "he shares our commitment to winning championships for Broncos Country and we're excited to welcome him as our new head coach.''
Penner also added "it is rare in any sport to hire a head coach with Sean's credentials and we appreciate the first-class manner in which the Saints approached this process.