Broncos Fire Offensive Coordinator Joe Lombardi After AFC Championship Loss
The Denver Broncos have fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, just two days after the team’s loss in the AFC Championship Game, according to NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.
The decision came shortly after head coach Sean Payton criticized the offense’s performance, stating that the unit “didn’t do enough” to earn a trip to the Super Bowl. The loss marked a significant setback for a team that had reached the championship game under Payton’s leadership.
A Surprise Move in Denver
The firing caught many observers off guard, as Lombardi had been a key figure in Sean Payton’s coaching staff in recent years. His dismissal raises immediate questions about the future direction of the Broncos’ offensive scheme and personnel decisions heading into the offseason.
Staff Implications
The move also creates uncertainty surrounding offensive pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Davis Webb, who has emerged as a strong candidate for the head coaching position with the Las Vegas Raiders. Webb’s potential departure could further reshape Denver’s coaching structure as the team prepares for the 2026 season.
The Broncos have not yet announced any plans for replacing Lombardi or addressed the future of other coaching staff members affected by the organizational changes.
