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Davis Webb’s NFL Journey: From Backup to Potential Coaching Prospect

The name Davis Webb has been circulating through NFL circles, not just as a player, but increasingly as a future leader. Once a third-round draft pick with high expectations, Webb has navigated the league’s demanding landscape, shifting from a quarterback with playing ambitions to a respected quarterback coach. Recently, his career trajectory has taken an intriguing turn, with reports linking him to interview requests from multiple teams, including the Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders.

While Webb is currently preparing for his role with the Denver Broncos, the buzz surrounding his potential future as a head coach is growing. This article explores Webb’s journey, the verified reports of interest from other franchises, and what his rapid rise in the coaching ranks means for the NFL.

The Current Situation: A Rising Star in the Coaching Ranks

The most significant recent development in Davis Webb’s career is his transition from a player to a coach, and the immediate recognition he has received from established NFL figures.

According to a verified report from The Denver Post, Broncos head coach Sean Payton made the "gutsy" decision to hire Webb as the team's quarterback coach. This move is significant because Payton is known for his meticulous approach to the game and his high standards for his staff. Trusting Webb with the development of quarterback Jarrett Stidham signals a strong belief in Webb’s football IQ and leadership abilities.

Webb’s hiring in Denver was a homecoming of sorts, but the NFL is a transient league. Shortly after his appointment, reports surfaced indicating that other teams view Webb as a potential head coach, not just a position coach.

Verified Interest from AFC Contenders

In January 2026, NBC Sports reported that the Las Vegas Raiders planned to meet with Davis Webb for a coaching interview. Simultaneously, the report noted that the Buffalo Bills also wanted to interview him. The interest from these two organizations highlights Webb’s rising stock.

• The Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders have been in a state of flux regarding their coaching staff. Meeting with Webb suggests they are looking for a fresh, offensive-minded perspective to revitalize their quarterback play and overall offensive scheme.
• The Buffalo Bills: The Bills' interest in Webb is particularly intriguing given the context. A separate report from Newsweek highlighted speculation regarding the future of head coach Sean McDermott. While nothing is confirmed, the fact that the Bills are looking at Webb suggests they are planning for continuity and succession, viewing him as a high-upside candidate who understands modern offensive concepts.

This flurry of activity confirms a singular narrative: Davis Webb is no longer just a backup quarterback; he is a hot commodity in the NFL coaching market.

Contextual Background: The Making of a Football Mind

To understand why Davis Webb is generating such interest, it is essential to look at his background as a player and his transition to coaching. Webb’s journey is a testament to resilience and a deep understanding of the game.

From Texas Tech to the NFL

Davis Webb began his collegiate career at Texas Tech, where he showcased a strong arm and an ability to process complex offensive schemes. After transferring to the University of California, Berkeley, he further refined his skills under head coach Sonny Dykes and offensive coordinator Tony Franklin. His time at Cal demonstrated his ability to absorb a pro-style offense, a trait that would later define his coaching potential.

Despite his college success, Webb’s playing career in the NFL was limited. Drafted by the New York Giants in 2017, he spent time behind Eli Manning and later joined the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills practice squads. While he never became a full-time starter, this period was crucial. He spent time learning under Sean Payton during a stint with the New Orleans Saints (though he was released before the season started), absorbing the intricacies of one of the league's most innovative offenses.

The "Coach on the Field" Reputation

Throughout his playing days, Webb was often described as a "coach on the field." Teammates and coaches noted his propensity for memorizing playbooks and his ability to diagnose defenses. This analytical approach is what allowed him to make the leap to coaching so quickly after retiring from playing.

His hiring by Sean Payton wasn't a courtesy; it was a strategic acquisition. Payton saw in Webb a young coach who could relate to modern quarterbacks while possessing the old-school work ethic required to succeed in the NFL.

Immediate Effects: Impact on the Broncos and the League

Webb’s presence in Denver and the interest from other teams has immediate implications for the franchises involved and the league at large.

The Denver Broncos' Stability

For the Broncos, retaining Webb despite interview requests from other teams is a victory. With Sean Payton entering a critical phase of his tenure in Denver, stability at the quarterback coach position is vital. Jarrett Stidham, who took over as the starter, benefits from Webb’s familiarity with Payton’s complex system. Webb’s ability to translate Payton’s concepts to the field ensures that the offense remains cohesive. The "guts" Payton showed in hiring Webb are now being validated by Webb’s ability to draw interest elsewhere, proving Payton’s eye for talent.

A Shift in Coaching Hiring Trends

The interest in Webb from the Raiders and Bills reflects a broader trend in the NFL: the search for the "next Sean McVay" or "next Kyle Shanahan." Teams are increasingly prioritizing young, offensive-minded coaches who have a deep understanding of the quarterback position.

Webb represents a new archetype of coach—someone who was recently a player but possesses an old-school mind for preparation. This blend allows him to bridge the gap between veteran coaches and younger players. For the Raiders, an interview with Webb is a step toward modernizing their offense. For the Bills, it is a potential contingency plan to ensure offensive continuity if changes occur at the top.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for Davis Webb?

Based on the verified reports and the trajectory of his career, Davis Webb’s future in the NFL looks bright, though his immediate path involves a strategic choice.

The Path to Head Coach

The reports linking Webb to head coaching interviews, even if speculative from sources like Newsweek, indicate that he is on the radar for executive positions. It is rare for a first-time quarterback coach to jump directly to a head coaching role, but it is not impossible, especially for candidates with the "Sean Payton pedigree."

If Webb succeeds in his role with the Broncos—improving quarterback play and contributing to a winning season—the interest from teams like the Raiders and Bills will only intensify. He will likely be a top candidate for offensive coordinator positions within the next 1-2 years, serving as a stepping stone to a head coaching role.

Strategic Risks and Rewards

There is a risk involved for Webb. Staying in Denver allows him to develop under one of the best offensive minds in history. However, leaving for a coordinator or head coaching job elsewhere offers autonomy and a faster track to the top.

For the teams watching him, the risk lies in betting on a relatively inexperienced coach. However, the modern NFL favors innovative thinking over tenure. Webb’s ability to navigate the complexities of Sean Payton’s offense suggests he has the mental acuity to design his own systems.

The "Interesting" Factor: Webb’s Unique Perspective

An interesting aspect of Webb’s career is his perspective on the "business" of being a backup. Having been on the fringe of rosters for years, he understands the mental fortitude required to stay ready. This empathy is a valuable trait for a coach. He can mentor young quarterbacks not just on mechanics, but on the mental resilience needed to survive in the NFL.

Furthermore, Webb’s age—he is in his early 30s—allows him to connect with players on a level that older coaches sometimes cannot. This relatability, combined with his X-and-O knowledge, makes him a unique asset.

Conclusion

Davis Webb’s career has evolved from a player striving for a roster spot to a coach commanding respect across the league. Verified reports from The Denver Post, NBC Sports, and Newsweek paint a picture of a young professional on the rise, valued by established leaders like Sean Payton and coveted by other franchises like the Raiders and Bills.

While his current focus remains on the Denver Broncos and Jarrett Stidham, the external interest confirms that Webb is a significant figure in the future of NFL coaching. Whether he remains a quarterback coach or ascends to an offensive coordinator or head coaching role, Davis Webb has firmly established himself as a name to watch in the coming years. His journey is a compelling narrative of preparation meeting opportunity, a story that resonates with the American spirit of perseverance and success.