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Jeff Legwold
Multiple Authors
The Denver Broncos have parted ways with offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi just two days after head coach Sean Payton stated that the team’s offense “didn’t do enough” to secure a Super Bowl appearance.
Also dismissed were wide receivers coach Keary Colbert and cornerbacks coach Addison Lynch.
In a prepared statement, Payton expressed gratitude, saying, “I want to thank these coaches for their significant contributions over the past three seasons. I have had the privilege of working with Joe Lombardi for 15 years and greatly appreciate his efforts as our offensive coordinator. We wish Joe, Keary, and Addison all the best moving forward.”
With backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham stepping in for the injured Bo Nix, the Broncos only managed 32 yards in the second half of their 10-7 loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. They recorded just one first down after halftime and had no possession in the third or fourth quarters that exceeded 17 yards.
After the game, when asked about his biggest criticisms, Payton reflected on the team’s first-half performance, noting, “The key thing was that momentum and field position didn’t translate as needed. We needed more than that. It starts there.”
Lombardi had been part of Payton’s staff with the New Orleans Saints for 12 years, across two stints, and became the Broncos’ offensive coordinator when Payton was hired in 2023. but, Payton served as the team’s playcaller on game days, with Lombardi supporting in the coaches’ booth and maintaining communication with Payton during games.
This season, the Broncos boasted one of the best defenses in the league, leading in sacks and red zone performance during the regular season, ranking second on third downs and third in scoring defense while yielding only 4.46 yards per play overall. Thanks to this defense, the team achieved an impressive 11-2 record in one-score games during the regular season, setting an NFL record for one-score wins before winning another in overtime against the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round.
Payton had voiced his frustrations regarding the offense at various points throughout the season, particularly after the loss to the Patriots when the Broncos only penetrated the Patriots’ territory once in the second half, resulting in a blocked potential tying field goal.
During the regular season, the Broncos ranked 14th in scoring at 23.6 points per game, 10th in offensive EPA, and 12th in QBR, but they finished 29th in three-and-outs, with 25% of their drives falling under this category. In his end-of-season press conference, Payton highlighted concerns about the run game and stated that he met with run game coordinator and assistant head coach Zach Strief about creating a strategy for improvement.
“It’ll be a crucial area of focus with urgency,” Payton mentioned in Denver. “I want to play from the gun, but I also want the flexibility to incorporate a two-back or multiple-tight end strategy. That’s one of our key goals this offseason.”
J.K. Dobbins sustained a season-ending foot injury in the Broncos’ victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on November 6, yet he still led the team in rushing yards by a margin of 232 and recorded the most runs of 10 yards or more (21), seven more than the next leading back, rookie RJ Harvey.
Internally, the top candidates for the offensive coordinator role include Strief, who Payton elevated to assistant head coach last offseason, and quarterbacks coach Davis Webb, who is still in contention for the head coaching position with the Raiders. plus, Broncos senior offensive assistant Pete Carmichael served as the Saints’ offensive coordinator during much of Payton’s tenure.
but, Payton has consistently insisted that he will retain playcalling responsibilities, meaning the Broncos’ offensive coordinator will play a significant role in weekly planning and assist Payton on game days, but Payton will remain the primary play caller. Many within the Broncos’ organization believe this may pose challenges to keeping Webb long-term, even if he does not secure a head coaching position in this hiring cycle.
