In a stunning turn of events in the NFL coaching world, the Denver Broncos have dismissed offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi coaching history shortly after their loss in the AFC Championship Game. The move signals a fresh direction for a franchise that rode a powerful defense and resilient regular season to reach the conference title matchup, only to fall short in a low-scoring contest that exposed lingering offensive limitations.
The Broncos’ decision to part ways with Lombardi, who had been on the staff since 2023, comes as the organization prepares to reshape its offensive leadership and pursue greater balance between units next season.
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Denver Shakes Up Offensive Leadership After Tough Playoff Defeat
Just days after Denver’s narrow defeat in the AFC Championship Game, the Broncos confirmed on Tuesday that Joe Lombardi would no longer serve as the team’s offensive coordinator. Lombardi had spent three seasons in the role under head coach Sean Payton, but the team’s inconsistent offensive performance throughout the 2025 campaign and the struggles witnessed in the title game ultimately led to a change at one of the most critical coaching posts.
During the 2025 season, Denver’s offense ranked 10th in total yardage and roughly mid-pack in scoring output. While those figures are respectable on the surface, they did not feel commensurate with the defensive dominance exhibited by the Broncos, which helped propel the team to a 14-3 regular-season record and deep playoff run.
Lombardi’s departure marks a significant pivot for the Broncos, who will now search for an offensive coordinator capable of unlocking more explosive and consistent production on that side of the ball. The move also raises questions about how Denver plans to balance its offensive identity with Payton’s firm grip on play-calling duties.
A Closer Look at Joe Lombardi’s Coaching Journey
Joe Lombardi’s path through the coaching ranks underscores a long and varied career in professional football. Born in 1971 in Seattle, he began his coaching journey at the college level in the mid-1990s, taking on defensive and offensive assistant roles at several smaller programs before breaking into the NFL in 2006.
His initial NFL position came with the Atlanta Falcons as a defensive assistant, a role that preceded a long and fruitful partnership with head coach Sean Payton in New Orleans. Lombardi first joined the Saints coaching staff in 2007 and became quarterbacks coach, where he played an important role in developing one of the most prolific passing offenses in franchise history.
During his time with New Orleans, Lombardi contributed to a unit that consistently ranked among the league’s top offenses and earned a championship ring in the 2009 season. His work with elite quarterbacks and his grasp of offensive strategy established him as a respected figure among NFL coaching circles.
Following his early success, Lombardi’s first shot as an offensive coordinator came with the Detroit Lions, though that stint was short-lived and provided him with early experience in full offensive command. He later returned to New Orleans as a quarterbacks coach and then advanced to serve as offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers.
His time in Los Angeles further showcased his ability to manage a complex passing game and mentor young talent, solidifying the credentials that brought him to Denver in 2023 alongside Sean Payton.
Denver’s Offensive Performance Under Lombardi
During Lombardi’s three seasons in Denver, the Broncos’ offense displayed clear signs of progression interspersed with bouts of inconsistency. In 2023, the unit struggled to find a rhythm, and the franchise ultimately shifted course by drafting and developing young talent under Payton’s tutelage. By 2025, Denver’s offensive numbers had improved notably, but they still lacked the high-end scoring punch seen among the league’s elite units.
Part of the challenge stemmed from injuries to key skill players, most notably starting quarterback Bo Nix, who suffered a broken ankle late in the postseason. In the AFC Championship Game, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham stepped in, and Denver managed just seven points in a tightly contested defensive battle. The offense’s inability to adapt or sustain drives under those circumstances weighed heavily on the coaching evaluation.
Chief among the Broncos’ offensive concerns was the running game, which struggled to consistently impose pressure on opposing defenses. Despite flashes of effectiveness in certain matchups, Denver’s ground attack ranked around the middle of the league, prompting internal discussions about talent, scheme, and coaching philosophy.
Why the Broncos Chose Change
Denver’s coaching shakeup appears rooted in the belief that offensive leadership must evolve to help the team reach the next level. The Broncos’ defense has long been a cornerstone of success, but the inability of the offense to dominate in critical moments limited the team’s ability to finish what it started in the postseason.
Head coach Sean Payton has traditionally called offensive plays since arriving in Denver, and the offensive coordinator role functioned as a key supporting voice in game-planning and player development. As such, the organization now faces a pivotal decision about the type of leader it wants guiding the offense — whether that’s an experienced NFL coordinator with a distinct vision or an innovative up-and-comer ready to take the unit in a new direction.
One of the most widely discussed internal options is quarterbacks coach Davis Webb, whose rapport with the roster and deep understanding of Payton’s scheme make him a logical candidate for promotion. Webb’s stock has risen around the league, with interest from multiple teams for key coaching roles. The Broncos may look to retain his services by elevating him to offensive coordinator, though nothing has been finalized as of yet.
Looking Ahead: Denver’s Offensive Coordinator Search
With Lombardi’s departure official, Denver now enters a phase of evaluation and opportunity. The team’s leadership must balance immediate needs with long-term development as it seeks a coordinator who can complement Payton’s offensive philosophy while injecting new energy and innovation.
If Denver decides to hire from within, continuity and familiarity could smooth the transition and help maintain stability for the roster. Conversely, an external hire may introduce fresh concepts that broaden the offense’s capabilities and better leverage the team’s offensive talents.
Regardless of the path taken, the Broncos’ offensive coordinator decision will be one of the most important of the 2026 NFL offseason. It will shape how the offense evolves and influence offseason roster construction, free-agent priorities, and draft strategies.
The Legacy of a Longtime NFL Coach
Joe Lombardi’s departure from Denver closes a significant chapter in a distinguished NFL coaching career. He built a reputation as a dependable and knowledgeable offensive coach, one capable of developing quarterbacks and structuring attack strategies in some of the league’s most storied offensive systems.
His tenure in Denver may be over, but Lombardi’s experience and accomplishments ensure that he remains a respected figure in professional football coaching circles. Where he lands next remains to be seen, but his impact on teammates, colleagues, and the development of young talent will endure.
Closing Thoughts
Denver’s decision to part ways with Joe Lombardi redefines the Broncos’ coaching landscape heading into the 2026 NFL season. As the team seeks to balance offensive prowess with defensive excellence, the right coordinator hire could be the key to unlocking even greater success in the years ahead.
