A fascinating and unexpected statistic about Sean Payton’s success against bald head coaches has captured the internet’s attention ahead of this weekend’s Wild Card playoff game.
Payton, in his second season as head coach of the Denver Broncos, has guided the team to a 10-7 record and a surprise playoff berth. The Broncos, seeded 7th in the AFC, are set to face the 2nd-seeded Buffalo Bills this Sunday in Orchard Park, New York.
In the buildup to the game, a quirky but intriguing stat has gone viral: Payton holds an impressive 30-12 (.714) record against bald head coaches since 2017. The revelation was shared by X user “@XanB21,” who even included detailed stats to back up the claim.
The stat has become particularly relevant given that Buffalo’s head coach, Sean McDermott, happens to be bald. Fans and analysts alike have joked about whether McDermott’s lack of hair might somehow factor into Sunday’s matchup.
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Payton’s Playoff Push
Payton’s ability to turn Denver into a playoff contender has been one of the most compelling storylines of the season. After a rocky first year, he transformed the Broncos into a disciplined and competitive team. Quarterback Russell Wilson has rebounded under Payton’s leadership, and Denver’s defense has been stout down the stretch.
Now, with this unusual stat circulating, some fans are wondering if Payton’s “bald coach dominance” might give the Broncos a mysterious edge against McDermott’s Bills.
Social Media Reacts
The internet had a field day with the statistic. Memes and tongue-in-cheek posts flooded timelines, with some users joking about McDermott donning a wig for Sunday’s game or asking if Payton has a secret strategy against hairless opponents.
One commenter quipped, “Is this the most ridiculous yet oddly compelling stat ever? Maybe. But if Denver wins, it’s officially canon.” Another added, “Sean Payton might be the LeBron of coaching against bald guys.”
Will the Trend Continue?
The Bills, led by MVP candidate Josh Allen, are heavy favorites, but the Broncos have proven to be a gritty and resilient team. While it’s unlikely that McDermott’s hairstyle—or lack thereof—will play any role in the game’s outcome, fans are already prepared to bring up Payton’s bald-coach record if Denver pulls off the upset.
As the Broncos and Bills prepare to clash in the postseason, Payton’s curious record has added a layer of humor and intrigue to an already high-stakes matchup. If Denver wins, don’t be surprised if the “bald coach stat” becomes a permanent part of Sean Payton’s coaching legacy.
