The Broncos are turning to Sean Payton’s assistant coaching tree for their next special teams coordinator.

Denver hired ex-Saints interim head coach and special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi on Friday, a source confirmed to The Denver Gazette. Ex-Broncos special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica was fired in January after two seasons.

Rizzi, 54, spent three seasons (2019-21) under Payton in New Orleans. He was a finalist for the Saints’ head coaching vacancy after being named the interim when New Orleans fired Dennis Allen in November. Rizzi went 3-5 to close the season and the Saints finished with a 5-12 record. But the team named Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore as head coach earlier this week.

Rizzi now oversees a Denver special teams unit with clear strengths and weaknesses after a 10-8 season.

The Broncos led the NFL average punt return yardage (15.7) with Marvin Mims earning his second Pro Bowl nod. Kicker Wil Lutz also tied a team record for most field goals in a single season (31). But there were also significant mistakes:

—A final-play blocked field goal in Week 10 against the Chiefs that prevented a comeback victory.

—The Raiders converted a fake punt in Week 12 for a first down.

—A punt interference penalty on cornerback Tremon Smith in Week 16 allowed the Chargers to convert a 57-yard free-kick field goal to close the first half.

Rizzi began as an NFL special teams coach with the Dolphins (2009-18). He was the associate head coach over his final two years in Miami.