Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton now finds himself in a place very few have before. With the Broncos' 26-21 win over the Carolina Panthers in Week 9, Payton moved into a tie for 10th all-time in overall career wins, both in the playoffs and regular season.

Payton is now tied with former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and former Denver and Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Reeves, with 201 wins. Payton also moved to 11th all-time in regular season wins (191). Payton could realistically move up in the top 10 all-time wins as soon as Week 11, and in regular season victories with three more wins in 2026.

While the milestone is a big one for Payton personally, he is never satisfied with just one win. It's the ability to move forward and do it again.

"As soon as we’re finished (after a game, it's), quick cold shower, coffee, film," Payton said before Week 8. "You get immersed in the plan. I’ve been part of a lot of good teams with good players that have helped make a lot of that happen and we’re still going. In other words, someday maybe looking back on it. We’re just trying to find a way to get this one.”

Denver has won its last 16 games decided by one-score, setting a new NFL record. "Part of [that] pisses me off because there's been a few of them that you would say shouldn't have been one-score games," Payton said on Sunday.

The next game is always in view for Payton. His "maniacal" attention to detail has been drilled into his players, but it's not so much the thrill of winning that drives him; it's the fear of losing.

“I just think I hate losing more than anything in the world," said Payton during the 2025 season. "I think fear of failure is a very significant motivating factor. I think from a details standpoint, there’s nothing that’s too small that’s not significant."

The Broncos haven't lost a lot since Payton became their coach, and look to once again position themselves at the top of the AFC playoff picture during the 2026 season. After the Week 9 results, Denver holds the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoff bracket.

After a bye in Week 10, Payton and the Broncos will prepare for rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza and the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11 at Empower Field at Mile High.