Vitt to support his former New Orleans head coach Sean Payton. Addison Lynch and Jamar Cain also join Vance Joseph’s defense staff.
ENGLEWOOD, Colorado – Retirement, as it applies to the world of Sean Payton and its residents, is merely a temporary existence.
Payton “retired” as head coach of the New Orleans Saints after the 2021 season. After a year-long hiatus, he returned almost two months ago to become the head coach of the Denver Broncos.
One of his first associates on the Denver coaching staff was Mike Westhoff, who at age 75 came out of a four-year retirement to become the Broncos’ assistant head coach specializing in special teams.
And now Payton is luring his longtime assistant coach, Joe Vitt, out of retirement. Vitt, who last worked as the Jets linebacker coach for son-in-law Adam Gase in 2019-20, is expected to join the Broncos staff in a senior defensive role, a source told 9NEWS.
The Broncos also hired Addison Lynch as a defensive quality control coach, according to a source. Lynch previously worked for the Chargers, Raiders and Lions as an assistant defensive back coach.
A source also confirmed the Broncos are hiring LSU coach Jamar Cain to be their pass rush specialist. Cain coached Nik Bonitto in Oklahoma from 2020-21. Bonitto was the Broncos’ second-round draft pick last year and is facing a crucial second season.
Vitt, 68, is a special take because of his experience. He began his NFL coaching career in 1979 with the Baltimore Colts. Not the Indianapolis Colts. The Baltimore Colts.
Vitt was on Payton’s first staff at New Orleans in 2006 and stayed on as linebacker and assistant head coach for the 2016 season.
Vitt flew to Denver Friday afternoon to meet with Payton and defense coordinator Vance Joseph at Broncos headquarters, among others. Vitt, Lynch and Cain are among the final parts of Payton’s staff for the 2023 season, with the possible exception of a few interns hired during the off-season and training camp.
RECOMMENDED VIDEOS: Sports
Source