FOOTBALL: Broncos fire OC Joe Lombardi, 2 other assistant coaches

The Denver Broncos have fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, wide receivers coach Keary Colbert, and cornerbacks coach Addison Lynch, the team announced Tuesday. The decision comes just two days after the Broncos managed only seven points in a loss during the AFC Championship Game.

“I want to thank these coaches for playing an important role in elevating our program over the last three seasons,” Broncos head coach Sean Payton said in a statement. “I've been fortunate to work with Joe Lombardi for 15 years and am particularly grateful for his many contributions to our success as offensive coordinator. We sincerely appreciate Joe, Keary, and Addison's hard work and wish them all the best in the future.”

Lombardi, 54, who previously worked with Payton in New Orleans, joined the Broncos before the 2023 season. In 2025, Denver ranked 10th in the NFL in total offense, averaging 342.6 yards per game, and 14th in scoring offense at 23.6 points per game.

The Broncos’ offense struggled after starting quarterback Bo Nix fractured his ankle late in the divisional round win over the Buffalo Bills, ending his season. Backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, making his first NFL start since 2023, led Denver to a season-low 181 yards in the AFC title game.

Lombardi, the grandson of Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi, also served as offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers (2021–22) and Detroit Lions (2014–15), in addition to his stints with Payton in New Orleans and Denver.

With Denver’s passing-game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Davis Webb reportedly a candidate for the Las Vegas Raiders’ head coaching job, Lombardi’s departure could signal a potential promotion for Webb to remain on Payton’s staff.

-Field Level Media/Reuters