A matchup between Payton and the only other Broncos coaching search finalist in the NFL: Texans rookie head man DeMeco Ryans.

Source: https://www.dailycamera.com/2023/05/11/denver-broncos-schedule-2023/

DC DeMeco Ryans could meet as soon as this afternoon after he handles his SF responsibilities.

Source: https://nesn.com/bets/2023/01/texans-to-name-demeco-ryans-as-new-hc/

Defense looks more exotic under Wilks than Ryans.

Source: https://steelersdepot.com/2023/09/2023-week-1-steelers-vs-49ers-live-update-and-discussion-thread-first-half/

DeMeco Ryans, who spent the past two seasons as the defensive coordinator of the 49ers, was named AP Assistant Coach of the Year.

Source: https://centraloregondaily.com/geno-smith-patrick-mahomes-nfl-awards/

Either one could have an inside track depending on what Ryans values the most.

Source: https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2023/1/28/23575490/eagles-news-nfc-championship-game-hype-video-brian-dawkins-philadelphia-san-francisco-49ers-watch

Former Texans teammate Glover Quin seems to think Ryans will get a fair shake.

Source: https://abc13.com/demeco-ryans-press-conference-houston-texans-lovie-smith-david-culley/12761856/

However, things changed today when Ryans picked the Texans over the Broncos and left them scrambling trying to figure out what to do next.

Source: https://www.milehighreport.com/2023/1/27/23575191/broncos-have-mystery-candidates-in-play-for-head-coaching-vacancy

It would be foolish to think that a former professional linebacker like Ryans would be able to get Murray and the rest of the offense’s play back to an elite level.

Source: https://raisingzona.com/2023/01/13/demeco-ryans-arizona-cardinals-mistake/

Ryans ‘ achievement stands out, considering the team’s draft position and playoff aspirations.

Source: https://nesn.com/bets/2023/12/nfl-coy-odds-and-analysis-campbell-ryans-and-mcdaniel-on-top/

Ryans' boss Kyle Shanahan went through a similar process six years ago when he interviewed with San Francisco while going on a Super Bowl run as offensive coordinator in Atlanta.

Source: https://www.gjsentinel.com/sports/professional/nfl-assistants-balance-playoff-prep-with-job-interviews/article_d6cd552d-22a8-5484-b379-e1a0a03e629a.html

Ryans, hailing from the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree, might be a likely candidate to adopt such a system.

Source: https://deadspin.com/anthony-richardson-nfl-draft-hype-1850152490

Ryans has not yet been a head coach.

Source: https://www.dailycamera.com/2023/01/09/broncos-coaching-search-dan-quinn-interview-request/

Ryans helped the 49ers to a 13-4 regular-season record and the NFC West title this season.

Source: https://www.centralmaine.com/2023/01/31/nfl-notebook-broncos-bring-in-sean-payton-texans-hire-demeco-ryans/

Ryans is going to be building a culture there.

Source: https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2023/05/21/jadeveon-clowney-it-would-be-nice-to-return-to-texans/

The lawsuit arose from Ryans, a former Texans player, suffering a torn Achilles tendon while playing in Houston as a member of the Eagles.

Source: https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2023/01/28/demeco-ryans-interest-in-texans-job-unaffected-by-his-prior-lawsuit-against-team/

Week Three on the road against the Houston Texans, Tomlin and the Steelers lost 30-6 against rookie head coach DeMeco Ryans.

Source: https://steelersdepot.com/2023/12/you-could-make-the-argument-pffs-brad-spielberger-believes-game-might-be-passing-mike-tomlin-by/