Broncos fire OC Joe Lombardi, 2 other assistant coaches

The Denver Broncos fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi along with wide receivers coach Keary Colbert and cornerbacks coach Addison Lynch on Tuesday. The moves happened just two days after the Broncos managed just seven points while coming up short in the AFC Championship Game.

I want to thank these coaches for playing an important role in elevating our program over the last three seasons," 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 for Sean Payton in New Orleans, joined the Broncos head coach in Denver prior to the 2023 season. In 2025, the Broncos finished the regular season 10th among NFL teams in total offense (342.6 yards per game) and 14th in scoring offense (23.6 ppg).

After starting quarterback Bo Nix fractured his ankle late in the divisional round win over the Buffalo Bills -- knocking him out for the rest of the season -- the Broncos posted a season-low 181 yards in the AFC title game with backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham leading the offense in his first NFL start since the 2023 season.

Lombardi, the grandson of Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi, also has worked as offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers (2021-22) and Detroit Lions (2014-15) in addition to his stints on Payton's staff in New Orleans and Denver.

With Denver's passing-game coordinator/quarterbacks coach Davis Webb a rising star reportedly in the mix to be the Las Vegas Raiders' next coach, Lombardi's dismissal could be a precursor to Payton attempting to retain Webb on his staff by promoting him.

--Field Level Media