Broncos coach Sean Payton isn’t expecting a warm welcome in New Orleans

Sean Payton is happy about the short week.

Not only does the Broncos’ head coach have less time to dwell on an ugly 23-16 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, but there’s also less time to consider all the excitement and history to come with his return to New Orleans when Denver plays there Thursday night.

“It will be unique. One of the things we talk about with our players is try to handle all of those things early,” Payton told reporters Monday. “I’ve got a great wife — (the) innings is with the family, my children I think those around us know how challenging a short week is compared to a full week.

“Certainly, there will be emotions that will return there. … The amount of time I was there, I understand.”

History, of course, hardly needs to be reviewed. Payton spent 2006-21 coaching the Saints, won a Super Bowl in 2009 and paired with Drew Brees to form one of the most prolific coach-quarterback duos in NFL history.

Thursday night, naturally, includes a celebration of Brees, who is being inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame.

Payton acknowledges all that, but figures most of the adulation will go to the retired quarterback rather than the visiting head coach.

“I don’t think there’s a lot of flowers and warm fuzzies for your truth, and I understand that,” he said. “Listen, I can’t stand losing. It’s about our team and me as the head coach of the Broncos getting ready to play an early week and trying to play one of our best games.”

Payton knows this challenge well. The Superdome is one of the strongest venues in football. Both Denver and New Orleans are coming off losses and need to win to get back on track.