The Denver Broncos have dismissed offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and two other assistant coaches in the wake of their AFC Championship Game defeat, as head coach Sean Payton moves to address offensive shortcomings that prevented a Super Bowl appearance.
Lombardi, along with wide receivers coach Keary Colbert and cornerbacks coach Addison Lynch, was fired on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, just two days after the Broncos’ 10-7 loss to the New England Patriots. The decision marks a significant shake-up in Payton’s coaching staff following a season where the team’s defense excelled but the offense struggled consistently, particularly in critical moments.
During the AFC title game, Denver’s offense managed only 32 yards in the second half, with backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham filling in for the injured Bo Nix. The team failed to sustain drives after halftime, highlighting issues that Payton had pointed to throughout the season. In his post-game comments, Payton expressed frustration, stating that the offense “didn’t do enough” to secure victory and that improvements were urgently needed.
Joe Lombardi had been a long-time associate of Sean Payton, serving on his staff for 15 years across stints with the New Orleans Saints and the Broncos. As offensive coordinator since 2023, Lombardi worked from the coaches’ booth during games, but Payton retained playcalling duties. This dynamic meant that while Lombardi contributed to game planning, the ultimate responsibility for offensive execution lay with Payton, who has emphasized his intent to continue calling plays.
Statistically, the Broncos’ offense ranked 14th in scoring during the regular season with 23.6 points per game, but was 29th in three-and-outs, indicating inconsistency. Payton specifically cited the run game as an area requiring immediate attention, noting meetings with run game coordinator Zach Strief to devise improvement strategies. The loss of leading rusher J.K. Dobbins to a season-ending injury exacerbated these challenges.
Potential candidates to replace Lombardi include Zach Strief, who was promoted to assistant head coach last offseason, and quarterbacks coach Davis Webb, who is also a candidate for head coaching positions elsewhere. Payton has indicated that he will not relinquish playcalling, so the new offensive coordinator will likely have an advisory role rather than full control, which could influence the hiring process and staff retention.
The firing underscores Payton’s urgency to refine the Broncos’ offensive approach before the next season. With a top-tier defense that led the NFL in several categories, the team’s success hinges on elevating offensive performance to match. As the offseason begins, these changes signal a proactive effort to learn from the playoff exit and build a more balanced contender for future championships.
