The Denver Broncos have received permission to interview Sean Payton for their head coaching vacancy.

Payton stepped away from the New Orleans Saints after the 2021 season.

The Broncos fired Nathaniel Hackett after a 4-11 record in his 15-game tenure.

Payton and the Saints agreed to a five-year extension in 2019 that would have run through the 2024 season. 

The NFL has informed the Broncos the team cannot interview Payton in person until Jan. 17 at the earliest.

The Broncos have also reached out to Jim Harbaugh to gauge his interest in the job.