This is the official start of the Sean Payton contest.

NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Saturday that the New Orleans Saints have given the Denver Broncos permission to interview Sean Payton for their head-coaching vacancy, and that the two teams appear to be on the same page regarding potential trade compensation.

As per NFL rules, the request for an interview with Payton could be submitted as early as 9 a.m. ET on Monday. According to Pelissero, the earliest that a personal interview could take place is on January 17th.

During FOX NFL Sunday, Payton revealed his communication with the Broncos.

Payton said to Good Morning Football and FOX Sports’ Peter Schrager, “Denver’s the first team; I was able to have a conversation with their owner.” “In a way, that’s the norm. The chain of command would run from the team to the Saints, but formal interviews can’t begin until [Jan. 17].”

Although no agreement has been reached as of yet, Rapoport notes that the Broncos are willing to meet the Saints’ asking price. Since Payton is still under contract with the Saints, any team interested in hiring him would have to agree to trade compensation with New Orleans, and according to Rapoport, the Saints are expected to ask for a first-round draught pick and more.

One source told Rapoport that the talks between the Broncos and Saints were just the beginning of a conversation, and that negotiations would continue between the two teams. Rapoport mentioned that the Saints wouldn’t let a team interview Payton unless they were sure the team was willing to meet their asking price in a trade.

On January 1, Pelissero and Rapoport claimed that Payton, along with Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, was Denver’s top target for a head coaching position.

Greg Penner, the Broncos’ new co-owner and CEO, and George Paton, the team’s GM, are leading the charge in finding a new head coach to replace Nathaniel Hackett, who was let go on December 26. None are more prominent than Payton, who they are reportedly eager to meet with as soon as possible.