The Denver Broncos have made a shocking decision in the wake of their 10-7 loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.
Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, who has spent three seasons under head coach Sean Payton, has been dismissed.
The announcement, first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero and later by the franchise, comes less than 48 hours after the Broncos‘ narrow playoff defeat.
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Lombardi‘s tenure with the Broncos was marked by strong offensive development, particularly for quarterback Bo Nix.
Under Lombardi‘s guidance, Nix made significant strides, demonstrating poise and playmaking ability in a system designed by Payton.
Denver‘s performance may have been dramatically different had Nix not been sidelined with a broken ankle late in the season.
A painful departure for the Broncos
Lombardi also brings a long history of success with Sean Payton.
He previously served as Payton‘s assistant in New Orleans from 2007 to 2013 and again from 2016 to 2020, earning a Super Bowl XLIV ring in the 2009 season.
His experience in crafting dynamic offenses has been well-regarded across the league, making his departure from Denver all the more surprising as Payton has historically been loyal to his coaching staff.
But critics have suggested that the underwhelming offensive showing in the AFC Championship, which left the Broncos limited to seven points, reflects more on the head coach than the coordinator.
The team struggled to adapt after Nix‘s injury, relying on backup Jarrett Stidham in a game plan that appeared overly conservative, and scored just seven points against the Patriots.
Coaching shuffle could reshape Broncos staff
The Broncos‘ coaching carousel may not end with Lombardi.
Passing game coordinator Jim Leonhard is reportedly a frontrunner to become the Buffalo Bills‘ defensive coordinator following the promotion of Joe Brady to head coach.
Additionally, quarterbacks coach Davis Webb has interviewed with the Bills and the Las Vegas Raiders, fueling speculation that he could step into the offensive coordinator role in Denver.
“The timing of these changes suggests a broader reorganization of the staff,” ESPN analyst Adam Schefter reported.
The Broncos‘ front office faces a critical offseason as it seeks to maintain stability while navigating multiple coaching departures.
Promoting from within could help preserve continuity for players like Nix, while bringing in new perspectives may address the limitations revealed in the AFC Championship.
Lombardi‘s dismissal highlights the high stakes of NFL coaching, where even a well-regarded coordinator can be held accountable for a single game’s outcome.
Fans and analysts alike are now watching closely to see who will fill the role and whether Payton‘s next move will restore confidence in the Broncos‘ offensive strategy.
As the coaching landscape continues to shift across the league, Denver‘s decisions could have long-term implications.
How the team addresses these changes will be critical for both player development and competitive success in the upcoming season.
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