The Denver Broncos made sweeping changes to their coaching staff Tuesday, dismissing offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi along with wide receivers coach Keary Colbert and cornerbacks coach Addison Lynch following their heartbreaking 10-7 defeat to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.
The decision came after head coach Sean Payton acknowledged his offense fell short when it mattered most, failing to deliver the production needed to secure a Super Bowl berth.
Offensive Collapse Triggers Coaching Exodus
Payton released a statement expressing gratitude for the departing coaches while making clear the move was necessary for the franchise’s evolution. The veteran coach praised Lombardi specifically, noting their 15-year working relationship that spanned multiple organizations.
The timing reflects the severity of Denver’s offensive breakdown in Sunday’s snow-covered championship contest. With backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham replacing injured starter Bo Nix, the Broncos managed a paltry 32 yards in the entire second half. The offense registered just one first down after halftime and never sustained a drive longer than 17 yards in the final two quarters.
Defensive Dominance Overshadowed by Offensive Woes
Denver’s defense ranked among the league’s elite throughout the season, leading in sacks and red zone efficiency while finishing second on third down and third in scoring defense. The unit surrendered just 4.46 yards per play, the best mark in professional football. That defensive prowess helped the Broncos compile an unprecedented 11-2 record in one-score regular season games, breaking the NFL record for such victories.
The defense carried Denver through a thrilling overtime victory against the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round, setting up the championship opportunity that the offense squandered.
Lombardi’s Tenure Ends Despite Long Partnership
Lombardi joined the Broncos when Payton took the head coaching position in 2023, reuniting after spending 12 years together across two separate stints with the New Orleans Saints. Despite holding the offensive coordinator title, Lombardi operated from the coaches’ booth while Payton called plays from the sideline. The arrangement meant Lombardi contributed to game planning and provided input through the headset, but Payton remained the primary voice communicating with the quarterback.
Statistical Mediocrity Fuels Changes
The numbers tell the story of a Broncos offense that underwhelmed relative to championship expectations. Denver ranked 14th in scoring at 23.6 points per game during the regular season, 10th in offensive EPA, and 12th in QBR. More troubling was the team’s 29th-place finish in three-and-out percentage, with a quarter of all drives stalling immediately.
Payton voiced particular frustration with the run game during his end-of-season media availability. He revealed meeting with run game coordinator and assistant head coach Zach Strief on Monday to develop an improvement plan for the offseason.
Running Game Deficiencies Exposed
The rushing attack’s struggles became glaring for the Broncos after running back J.K. Dobbins suffered a season-ending foot injury Nov. 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite missing the final two months, Dobbins still led the team in rushing by 232 yards and had 21 runs of 10-plus yards, seven more than rookie RJ Harvey managed.
Payton emphasized his commitment to maintaining offensive versatility, wanting the flexibility to operate from shotgun formations while also utilizing two-back sets and multiple tight end packages.
Internal Candidates Emerge for Coordinator Role
Strief appears positioned as a leading internal candidate for the Broncos after Payton elevated him to assistant head coach last offseason. Quarterbacks coach Davis Webb represents another possibility, though he remains in consideration for the Raiders’ head coaching vacancy. Senior offensive assistant Pete Carmichael, who coordinated New Orleans’ offense during much of Payton’s tenure there, could also factor into discussions as the Broncos evaluate their options.
The new coordinator will face a unique challenge in Denver. Payton has consistently refused to relinquish playcalling responsibilities, meaning whoever assumes the role will contribute to weekly planning and provide game-day input but won’t control the offensive blueprint. Some within the organization believe this structure could complicate retaining Webb long-term, even if he doesn’t land a head coaching position this cycle.
The Broncos now face a critical offseason balancing defensive excellence with offensive reconstruction as they pursue their first Super Bowl appearance since winning the championship following the 2015 season.
Source: ESPN
