Sean Payton led a Saints team in 2017 with future head coaches all around him. 

Curtis Johnson (senior offensive assistant) is now the UFL Houston Roughnecks’ head coach. Mike Nolan (linebackers coach) is now the UFL Michigan Panthers’ head coach. Dan Campbell (tight ends coach) is now the Lions’ head coach. Aaron Glenn (defensive backs coach) is now the Jets’ head coach. 

On Sunday, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, Payton will lead the Broncos against one of his former pupils. Glenn spent five seasons under Payton in New Orleans before landing the Jets’ job in January. Glenn didn’t forget his roots. 

“I owe a lot of my coaching development to Sean,” Glenn told Jets media this week in London. “I think he’s a hell of a coach. Offensive minded. Really understands exactly how to attack different defenses. And he’s taught me a lot about being a coach. Listen, he’s one of the guys that I love everything about who he is and what he’s about. I’m looking forward to competing against him.” 

Their respect is mutual. Glenn, a longtime NFL cornerback, also spent the 2005 season playing for the Cowboys with Payton on staff as their assistant head coach and passing game coordinator. 

“He’s a tremendous coach,” Payton told Broncos media this week in London when asked about Glenn. “He was a huge asset to us in New Orleans. … As a head coach, you love to see guys get these opportunities. I love to watch Dan Campbell and his team. Aaron’s getting things built there (in New York). I know how he was as a player, and I know how intense and diligent he was as a coach for us. I’m happy to see him get that opportunity, and it’s much deserved.” 

Payton’s coaching tree includes other ex-head coaches and prominent coordinators on the rise. 

Dennis Allen: Bears defensive coordinator. Former head coach of the Raiders (2012-14) and Saints (2022-24). Previously on staff with Payton in New Orleans as a position coach (2006-10) and defensive coordinator (2015-21). 

Chris Banjo: Jets special teams coordinator. Previously on staff in Denver with Payton as a special teams assistant (2023-24). Also played under Payton in New Orleans at defensive back (2016-18). 

Joe Brady: Bills offensive coordinator. Formerly on staff with Payton in New Orleans as an offensive assistant (2017-18). 

Declan Doyle: Chicago Bears offensive coordinator. Previously on staff with Payton in New Orleans as an offensive assistant (2019-22) and in Denver as tight ends coach (2023-24).  

Doug Marrone: Patriots offensive line coach. Former head coach of the Bills (2013-14) and Jaguars (2017-20). Previously on staff with Payton in New Orleans as offensive coordinator (2006-08). 

John Morton: Lions offensive coordinator. Formerly on staff with Payton in New Orleans as wide receivers coach (2015-16) and in Denver as passing game coordinator (2023-24).