The Denver Broncos are 2-3 under first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett.

Denver has only scored more than 20 points in a game once this season (23 points in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks). Their latest loss was an embarrassing 12-9 overtime defeat in Denver at the hands of the Indianapolis Colts.

It's safe to say that things aren't going as planned this season.

That's why there's already speculation building that Hackett could be one and done with the Broncos.

And if Denver fires Hackett, league sources have suggested to Pro Football Focus NFL insider Doug Kyed that former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton could be an option.

From PFF:

It’s difficult to discuss other potential destinations for Payton with only one job open, but two teams that were mentioned by league sources as interesting fits were the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers.

If the Broncos decide they want to move on from Hackett and hire Payton, they'd have to work out a deal with the Saints.

That's because New Orleans still owns the rights to Payton.

The general feeling is that the Saints would want two first-round picks for the rights to Payton. But some folks think if New Orleans trades him to the AFC then they might settle for one first-round pick.

There shouldn't be a ton of competition for head coaches this off-season. It seems unlikely that there will be as many openings as last season. That would of course work to Denver's advantage if they go after Payton.

One team that already has an opening — the Carolina Panthers — almost certainly won't be an option for Payton as it's extremely unlikely that New Orleans would trade him within the NFC South.

There's still a lot of season left. If Hackett turns things around, he should get a second season. But if the offense continues to look lifeless, it could be curtains for Hackett in Denver.

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