Sean Payton Says There's 'Zero Truth' to Report He Fears Power Struggle with Broncos

Sean Payton denied reports about a potential problem with Denver Broncos ownership on Thursday, saying he had a "great visit" and that "ownership was fantastic" during their meeting.

Mark Maske of the Washington Post initially reported Payton "fears a potential power struggle with a member of the ownership group" after interviewing with the team.

Denver had been considered a favorite to land Payton, per Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com, after the two sides met for several hours in Los Angeles last week. Maske noted the former New Orleans Saints coach liked the team's defense and the chance to work with Russell Wilson, but "there was an issue" with his interview.

The Walton-Penner ownership group purchased the Broncos for a record-fee of $4.65 million last August.

The six-person ownership group is led by Walmart heir Rob Walton and son-in-law, Greg Penner, who was named the team's CEO. The group also includes Walton's daughter Carrie Walton Penner, Starbucks CEO Mellody Hobson, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Formula One star Lewis Hamilton.

According to Duncan, Penner led the interview with Payton while Rice and general manager George Paton also participated.

The reported issue with ownership came after San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans emerged as a top candidate, according to Mike Klis of 9News.

Benjamin Allbright of KOA Colorado argued this change of stance only came after Payton was no longer seen as the "preferred candidate."

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has also been heavily linked to the Broncos, but he plans to return to the Cowboys, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Payton also interviewed with the Carolina Panthers, but the vacancy was filled by Frank Reich on Thursday.